| Summary: | From the viewpoint of U. S. naval strategists, the Arctic Ocean has always been considered a potential warfare theater due to its contiguous boundary with the Soviet Union. Over the past several decades, however, naval operations in the Arctic have been quite limited and primarily of an investigatory nature to test and develop submarine operations under ice-covered waters. Recent advances in Soviet submarine-launched missile capabilities and their routine deployment on submarines operating in Arctic waters has brought an increased awareness to naval planners of the real potential for warfare in these waters. It is therefore prudent that studies be conducted of the hostile Arctic environment and its potential impact on naval operations, including platforms, weapons and sensors.
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