The US Navy periodically organizes trips to the Barents Sea, however, this will not help Washington in any way in the “battle” for the Arctic with Moscow. The reason is simple: The States cannot oppose anything to four dozen Russian icebreakers. A military expert wrote about this on the pages of the Western publication National Review, US Navy Captain Jerry Hendrix.
expert believes, that Washington has long neglected the Arctic, what can't be said about Moscow. Now the States simply cannot compete with Russia for influence in this region, that it is so rich in natural resources. Hendrix also emphasized, that the march of American ships to the shores of the Russian Federation should not be overestimated, which was committed for the first time in thirty years.
"Four ships, maneuvering in the ice-free Barents Sea, will not undo decades of neglect and lack of investment in ship types, necessary for the United States to protect its interests in the Arctic region", – He stated the expert.
Hendrix is convinced, that the states lack the required number of ships and ice-class ships, as well as icebreakers, will not allow Washington to implement plans to develop the shipping capabilities of the Arctic Ocean.
he noted, that the Russian Federation does not miss its chance and is constantly strengthening its power in the Arctic, increasing presence in this region. Besides, Moscow is actively exploiting the Northern Sea Route, thanks to which it is possible to significantly shorten the journey from Europe to Asia.
"Having in the arsenal 40 icebreakers, Moscow is ahead of all Arctic powers", – he noted.
note, that the next 15 Russia plans to acquire nine new icebreakers, some of which will be equipped with weapons, intended for use in the Arctic. It is important to emphasize, that today no country can compete equally with Russia in the region.
The expert believes, that the American “equipment” of three icebreakers, of which only two can be used, unable to resist Russian forces. Finally he added, that the United States needs to take urgent action, finally not to lag behind Russia.
