The US is testing a cruise missile launch system in the Arctic to deter Russia.
The US military tested a cruise missile launch system in the Arctic Circle on November 9th. The commander in charge of the test called it a deterrent against Russia.
In the test, a long-range cruise missile was dropped from a C-130 transport aircraft. A parachute system would help the missile gradually descend until its rocket engine activated and propelled it toward its target.
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| A US aircraft dropped Rapid Dragon cruise missiles in Norway, in the Arctic region, on November 9th. Photo: Defense.gov |
This system, which the US military calls Rapid Dragon, was developed by the US Air Force. On November 9th, the system was showcased in Europe for the first time.
The US's choice of Norwegian airspace as the testing site was also deliberate. It is located 2 degrees north of the Arctic Circle, on the westernmost edge of an area of military and economic importance to Russia.
Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Melnicoff told the U.S. Army's Stripes: "The test put this thing within close proximity to Russia. We intentionally tested it to provoke without escalating... We were trying to deter action."extendby Russia, by showcasing the enhanced capabilities of its NATO allies."
Approximately 50% of the Arctic coastline is Russian territory. Moscow regularly conducts military exercises involving near-zero warfare scenarios.
The U.S. National Arctic Strategy, released in October, considers cooperation with Russia in the Arctic region to be "nearly impossible." The strategy calls for an increased U.S. military presence above the Arctic Circle.
