Thursday, June 1st., 2017
Russia to Expand Its Presence in Arctic With New Ships, Intense Patrolling
Russia to Expand Its Presence in Arctic With New Ships, Intense Patrolling
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Photo: The Norwegian Armed Forces
Russia’s
Northern Fleet will be on combat alert in the Arctic Region on a
regular basis, Fleet Commander Nikolai Evmenov said. According to
military expert Alexander Mozgovoi, Russia is expanding its naval force
in the region.
The
Russian Northern Fleet will be on regular underwater and aerial combat
alert in different parts of the Arctic Ocean. The task was assigned
for the fleet for the second half of 2017, Fleet Commander Vice Adm.
Nikolai Evmenov told journalists.
In an interview with Radio Sputnik, independent military and naval expert Alexander Mozgovoi pointed out that Russia is strengthening its presence in the region.
According to the expert, Russia is currently reviving the activities launched back in the Soviet era.
"Submarines and aircraft control the waters bordering Russia’s territory in the Arctic," he said.
The expert noted that in addition to underwater and aerial activities, Russia will soon launch surface patrolling in the Arctic.
"We will establish our presence on a regular
basis in different areas of the Arctic Ocean, including underwater and
in the air. We will provide security of navigation along the Northern
Sea Route," the commander said.
He added that Russia will also continue the exploration of the Arctic Region.
"There is a package of hydrographic and oceanographic activities,
including scientific research on the refining of the borders of the
territorial waters as well as the borders of Russia’s exclusive economic
zone and continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean," Evmenev said.
In an interview with Radio Sputnik, independent military and naval expert Alexander Mozgovoi pointed out that Russia is strengthening its presence in the region.
"During the Cold War, the Arctic Region was
patrolled underwater and from the air. Waters under the Arctic’s ice was
an active arena of the Cold War. There were American, British and
Soviet submarines. Of course, there was also aerial surveillance. There
were specially designed aircraft, including the Tu-142 and the Il-38.
But after the collapse of the Soviet Union those activities were
significantly reduced," Mozgovoi said.
The expert noted that in addition to underwater and aerial activities, Russia will soon launch surface patrolling in the Arctic.
"The Ilya Muromets supportive ice-breaker is
expected to enter service with the Russian Navy this year. Currently,
its construction is being completed. It will be used to navigate
warships and vessels in the Arctic waters. The first Russian patrolling
ice-breaker will be also laid down this year. Russia has never had
vessels of this type in its navy. The ship will carry heavy artillery
and missile systems," Mozgovoi said.