WHITE PAPER ON ARCTIC COMMAND AND DEFENCE INTEGRATION

Republic of Newfoundland — 2022 Edition

Issued by the Ministry of National Defence
Presented to the House of Assembly, St. John’s — 7 March 2022

Preface

Newfoundland’s independence is inseparable from control of its northern frontier.
The Arctic is not a distant border — it is the Republic’s northern heart, linking Labrador to Greenland, the North Atlantic, and the global commons.
This White Paper defines the principles guiding Newfoundland’s Arctic defence posture and integration with allied operations.

“We will guard the ice as we guard the flag — with endurance, vigilance, and resolve.”
— President Mary O’Brien, National Defence Address, 2022

1. The Strategic Context

1.1 Geography and Geopolitics

The Republic occupies a pivotal position at the junction of the North Atlantic and Arctic basins, controlling access to the Labrador Sea and the Greenland–Iceland–Newfoundland (GIN) Gap — a corridor critical to transatlantic security.
Newfoundland’s sovereignty thus underpins NATO’s northern flank and ensures the stability of North Atlantic sea and air routes.

1.2 National Security Doctrine

The Arctic Command Doctrine (ACD) defines three pillars of security:

1. Presence — continuous monitoring and patrolling;
2. Partnership — coordination with allies and Arctic communities;
3. Persistence — sustainable logistics and infrastructure enabling year-round operations.

2. Establishment of Arctic Command (ARCOM)

2.1 Founding and Structure

The Arctic Command (ARCOM) was formally established in 2004, integrating land, sea, and air elements under a single joint headquarters in Goose Bay.
ARCOM reports to the Chief of Defence Staff and coordinates with NATO NORLANT and Six Eyes Arctic Intelligence Network.

2.2 Subordinate Elements

• 1st Labrador Infantry Regiment (Royal Newfoundland Army): Ground defence and Arctic mobility training.
• RNA – Royal Newfoundland Artillery (Arctic Battery): Air defence and coastal anti-ship systems.
• RNN Northern Squadron: Bonavista-class patrol vessels and autonomous surface vehicles.
• RNAF 432 Arctic Wing: NF-139A Hercules (airlift), NF-140 Aurora II (patrol), NH-149 Cormorant II (SAR).

3. Joint Operations Doctrine

3.1 Inter-Service Integration

ARCOM employs a unified command structure under the Joint Arctic Operations Manual (JAOM):

• Shared data networks linking Goose Bay, Nain, and Argentia;
• Combined task forces integrating naval and air assets;
• Common Arctic training cycles with NATO and Canadian forces.

3.2 Exercises and Readiness

Key annual operations include:

• Exercise Ice Lance: Winter ground manoeuvres and Arctic logistics.
• Operation Frost Shield: Maritime domain awareness and submarine detection.
• Northern Resolve: Joint NATO exercise simulating Arctic crisis response.

4. Infrastructure and Logistics

4.1 Bases and Facilities

• Goose Bay Air Command: Headquarters and main logistics hub.
• Nain Forward Operations Station: Fuel and resupply point for northern patrols.
• Cartwright Naval Anchorage: Southern staging for Arctic convoys.

4.2 Northern Infrastructure Program

ARCOM maintains self-sustaining bases using modular shelters, solar-tidal hybrids, and microreactors.
New “Ice Roads” and airship-supported logistics routes allow resupply of remote outposts year-round.

5. Intelligence and Cyber Integration

5.1 Six Eyes Network

As a founding member of the Six Eyes alliance, Newfoundland operates the Argentia Data Relay Station (ADRS) — a primary North Atlantic intelligence node.
ARCOM integrates live feeds from U.S. and U.K. satellites, Canadian radar systems, and Newfoundland’s own PolarNetconstellation launched in 2019.

5.2 Cyber Command Liaison

ARCOM’s cyber wing works with the Cyber Defence Command (CDC) at St. John’s to protect satellite uplinks, secure data from UAVs, and monitor Arctic communication lines.

6. Climate, Science, and Security

ARCOM supports the Newfoundland Arctic Research Council (NARC) through logistics and environmental monitoring.
Joint missions study ice-melt effects on navigation, wildlife, and climate, ensuring defence policy aligns with ecological preservation.

7. Allied Integration

7.1 Canada and the United States

Newfoundland maintains close coordination with Canadian NORAD elements and U.S. Northern Command, sharing radar data and airspace alerts.
While independent, ARCOM and Canada’s Joint Task Force North conduct Operation Twin Anchor, demonstrating unified Arctic deterrence.

7.2 NATO Command Link

ARCOM provides the Forward Arctic Command Centre for NATO’s northern exercises and hosts rotating forces from Norway, the U.K., and the Netherlands.
Newfoundland officers routinely serve in NATO Arctic Council planning teams.

8. Indigenous Cooperation

ARCOM’s Northern Partnership Office works with Labrador Inuit and Innu communities, employing local guides, rangers, and engineers in Arctic patrols and logistics.
This partnership preserves traditional knowledge while expanding national presence.

9. Force Modernization

9.1 Equipment Upgrades

• NF-139B Hercules fleet upgraded with infrared mapping and Arctic navigation systems.
• Bonavista-class patrol ships refitted for hybrid propulsion.
• RNAF UAVs extended to 2,000 km range for autonomous ice reconnaissance.

9.2 Future Systems

Development of the NF-39 Polar Hawk, a long-endurance ISR platform, and AR-7 tracked Arctic vehicles designed for extreme conditions.

10. The Northern Frontier — Vision 2030

By 2030, ARCOM aims to:

• Achieve full Arctic operational self-sufficiency;
• Maintain year-round presence across all EEZ sectors;
• Deploy autonomous surface patrol networks;
• Sustain all northern bases via renewable energy;
• Operate jointly under the NATO Arctic Command Framework (NACF).

“Our north is not a limit — it is our leadership.”
— Defence Minister Colleen Keats, White Paper Address, 2022