Russia expands military presence in Arctic - defence minister

MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. A wide range of threats and challenges to Russia's security is emerging lately in the country's Arctic zone, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu told the ministry's board meeting on Wednesday. "A wide array of threats and challenges to Russia’s security is emerging lately in Arctic. To counter this trend, the Defence Ministry should focus on developing military infrastructure in the area," Shoigu said. Late in 2014, the Joint strategic Command was formed on the basis of the North Fleet, he said, adding that the Defence Ministry would build up troops in the Chukotka peninsula to guarantee the Northern Sea Route safety. "Military troops enhancement in Chukotka will make it possible to enhance safety of the Northern Sea Route's traffic and respond timely to potential military threats in the area," the minister said. In 2014, four aerospace defence brigades within the Eastern command were re-organised to air defence divisions; as well as radiation, chemical and biological defence regiments were formed. Radiolocation and air direction centres deployed at the Wrangell Island and Schmidt Peninsula have become operational since October 2014. In 2014, the Eastern command received cutting edge weapons, including next-generation Su-30CV and Su-35 fighter aircrafts, as well as Ка-52 combat helicopters, Bal coastal missile systems. Russia's submarines of new projects also perform drills in Arctic, he said. Read more