Politics
18:27, 08-Nov-2017
Russia to complete two Arctic military facilities soon
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According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, as reported by Sputnik news agency on Tuesday, Russia will complete the building of two military facilities in the Arctic region by the end of the year.
The two military facilities are located on the Franz Josef Land archipelago and New Siberian Islands in the Russian exclusive economic zone in the Arctic Ocean.
"This will allow us to exercise control over the Northern Sea Route, ensure the security of Russia's economic activities in the Arctic region, and, if necessary, to rapidly build up groupings of troops in this strategic area," Shoigu said at a ministerial meeting.
Russian servicemen of the Northern Fleet's Arctic mechanised infantry brigade participate in a military drill on riding reindeer and dog sleds near the settlement of Lovozero outside Murmansk, Russia, January 23, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Russian servicemen of the Northern Fleet's Arctic mechanised infantry brigade participate in a military drill on riding reindeer and dog sleds near the settlement of Lovozero outside Murmansk, Russia, January 23, 2017. /Reuters Photo
This is the latest move by Russia to boost its military presence in the Arctic region. The country established the Northern Fleet Joint Strategic Command in December 2014, which is in charge of all Russian troops deployed in the region. Moscow also plans to restore all 13 airfields in the Arctic left by the former Soviet Union.
Shoigu said earlier this year that the country's military infrastructure in the region would be fully developed by 2020.