Alaska uniquely positioned to strengthen National Security during dangerous period

We are in one of the most dangerous period in U.S. history since World War II—a new era of authoritarian aggression led by the dictators in Moscow, Beijing and Tehran. This difficult reality faces us nearly every day: joint Russian and Chinese naval flotillas operating off Alaska’s coast, the barbaric attack by Iran-funded Hamas terrorists against Israel, other Iranian-backed terrorists lobbing missiles to shut down global shipping lanes in the Middle East, and the Chinese Communist Party threatening Taiwan during its historic eighth democratic presidential election.

We must wake up to the fact that this new era of authoritarian aggression will likely be with us for decades and we must face it with strategic resolve and confidence.

Alaska is uniquely positioned—more than any other state—to help our nation rise to the challenges posed by these dictators. We have incredible comparative advantages if we’re wise enough to utilize and strengthen them.

For one, our abundant natural resources present an opportunity to end America’s dependence on China for critical minerals—which are essential to many critical defense technologies—as well as our allies’ dependence on Russian energy. If we had a federal administration willing to work with us on Alaska’s untapped resource potential, we could deal a significant blow to the dictators Xi and Putin.

Second, our lethal, Alaska-based military assets are also a huge source of American power.

These assets constitute three pillars of military might. First, we are the cornerstone of missile defense, with nearly all radar systems and ground-based missile interceptors protecting the whole country. Second, we are the hub of air combat power for the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, with over 100 fifth-generation fighter jets at JBER and Eielson. And third, we are a platform for expeditionary forces—Arctic-tough warriors of the 11th Airborne Division who can quickly deploy to all parts of the world.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’ve worked relentlessly to invest in and build up each of these three pillars, recognizing their unique position to defend our country whenever called upon. Those investments have amounted to billions of dollars deployed to our state over the past 8 years, which is not only helps with our military’s readiness, but is also good for our economy and jobs across the state and in the Mat-Su.

These investments are continuing. Among the $371 million dollars for military construction that I secured in the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act are projects right here in Southcentral: A $108 million runway extension, a $7 million new aircrew alert facility and a precision-guided missile complex, all at JBER. These projects will be putting Alaskans to work and supporting families in the Mat-Su and up the Railbelt.

We also recently had the grand opening of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, the Defense Department’s newest regional security center, also on JBER. This new center, combined with substantial progress on a deep-water port in Nome and new icebreakers, have further cemented our state as the center of gravity for Arctic security operations and economic opportunities.

Finally, a fourth pillar of our military might, is our very pro-military communities. Alaska is the proud home of more veterans per capita than any other state and the Mat-Su embodies this patriotic spirit and respect for our service members. This is reflected in the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman’s increase in coverage of Alaska’s growing military presence with their new section, “AK-MIL.” I can’t overstate how important this support and increased coverage is when advocating for greater military resources in our great state.

As Alaska’s U.S. senator, I will continue making the case in Washington for Alaska’s unique importance to the military, elevating Alaskans’ strong support for our military, and sustaining the historic military build-up we’ve experienced, for the benefit of our national security and Alaska’s economy. With the support of Alaskans, our state’s critical role in defending freedom and supporting our military will only increase in the years and decades to come.

Sen. Dan Sullivan has represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate since he was first elected in 2014.