This summer, Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper delivered a hawkish, saber-rattling speech to Canadian troops.

During the speech on Baffin Island in the far north of the country, Harper thanked the soldiers for their service, reminded them of their recent sacrifices in Afghanistan and their duty to protect Canada’s territorial sovereignty.

“Including our Arctic,” Harper said.

The Canadian government is highly concerned about the Arctic as a site of future military conflict. To fight such a war, the Royal Canadian Navy plans to replace its aging frigates and destroyers with a one-size-fits-all vessel that’s fit for Arctic duty.

The rival in the icy waters is—of course—Russia.

But this symbol of Canada’s future military force is in trouble. The shipbuilding plan is facing delays and budget problems. The result could make Canada less capable of challenging Russian ships in the north.

There’s a reason why Canada is thinking seriously about its military.

“In Europe, we see the imperial ambitions of Vladimir Putin,” Harper continued in his speech. “Who seems determined that—for Russia’s neighbors—there shall be no peace. And because Russia is also Canada’s neighbor, we must not be complacent here at home.”

Indeed, Russia is pushing into the Arctic. Its icebreakers and nuclear submarines cruise the northern sea lanes, all to protect its recent oil explorations in the area.

Moscow is also revitalizing abandoned Soviet era military bases in the area and building new ones. In September 2014, Canadian and American jets intercepted Russian jets as they neared Canadian airspace.

Harper concluded his speech by saying that a government must protect its borders and citizens. “We are building new ships. We have bought tanks, light armored vehicles, helicopters and transport aircraft,” he said.