Russia increases combat capabilities in Arctic
Russia is currently increasing its combat potential in the Arctic with new ships and additional station sites, Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky said on Saturday.
- In accordance with the Russian Armed Forces’ plan of strategic deterrence we will continue to take measures aimed at demonstrating military presence in the Arctic, the navy commander said, according to RIA Novosti.
Northern Fleet naval ships and submarines have already conducted over ten military patrols in the Arctic in 2010, the admiral said. Besides this, the air force conducted 16 flights with strategic Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers over the northern parts of the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans.
In June 2010 Russia launched its newest nuclear powered multipurpose attack submarine the Graney (Yasen) class “Severodvinsk”. The “Yuri Dolgorukii”, Russia’s first fourth generation strategic submarine of the Borey class, is currently undergoing tests in the White Sea.
- We have prepared and presented to the Russian Government a proposal on military security along the Northeast Passage, Vysotksy said to RIA Novosti. –This includes the possibility for temporary basing of naval vessels in ports along the route, he added.
