There has been a noticeable change in the activities observed by NORAD over the past year, particularly in Russian and Chinese actions in the Arctic, according to the top commander of NORAD, U.S. Gen. Gregory Guillot. He mentioned that there has been an increase in both the frequency and coordination of air and sea intrusions near North America.
Guillot highlighted that the most significant difference in 2025 has been the simultaneous increase in activities, with multiple ships operating in various parts of the Arctic Ocean simultaneously, followed by air incursions in different regions. Defense analysts believe these activities are aimed at testing the responses of the U.S. and Canadian militaries.
In 2025, NORAD publicly reported detecting and tracking Russian military aircraft near the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone in at least eight separate incidents. These events occurred in international airspace outside North American boundaries. While there were no confirmed sea incursions, the Canadian military monitored a Chinese research vessel in Arctic waters off Alaska last summer.
Guillot expressed confidence in NORAD’s surveillance capabilities and its ability to defend the Arctic region. He also mentioned ongoing discussions about Canada potentially joining the Golden Dome missile defense system proposed by the Trump administration. The integration discussions involve considerations about expanding NORAD to include missile defense or allowing each nation to manage their missile defense operations.
Regarding the Arctic activities, Guillot highlighted that most observed actions are concentrated in the 10 o’clock position over Alaska, while Russian activities to the east of North America often traverse the GIUK gap towards the Atlantic without approaching Canadian or U.S. territorial waters.
A recent study emphasized the advancements made by Russia and China in developing drones capable of operating in harsh Arctic conditions, surpassing NATO nations. Guillot mentioned successful tests of counter-drone technology in Arctic conditions and collaboration with Canada on deploying these systems.
The U.S. Army conducted experiments in Alaska involving UAS and counter-UAS operations to assess performance in extreme cold conditions. Additionally, plans are underway to deploy a micro nuclear reactor to power an air force base in the Alaskan Arctic, which could impact Canada’s radar station deployment plans in the region.
Guillot believes micro reactors could revolutionize military operations in the Arctic, where extreme weather conditions pose significant challenges.