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C2 Considerations in the Arctic

Arctic operations are defined by extreme distances, limited infrastructure, harsh environmental conditions, and increasing electromagnetic contestation, all of which fundamentally constrain communications availability and reliability, particularly at high latitudes where satellite systems degrade or unable to link. Consequently, Command and Control in the High North must be planned on the assumption that primary communications will be degraded or lost, requiring disciplined PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) planning fully integrated with Mission Command principles, PACE planning is therefore a crossdomain command enabler.

In this environment, PACE planning is not a CIS technical detail but a core enabler of operational coherence and decision-making. NATO’s ability to generate and synchronise effects across domains depends on decentralised execution, resilient and realistic communications planning, and commanders empowered to act within intent. Forces that prepare for intermittent connectivity, operate independently when necessary, and remain disciplined in executing intent rather than relying on continuous control will retain operational coherence and sustain decision advantage despite severe environmental constraints and persistent adversary interference.