Russia ready to defend interests in Arctic with military means

Russia does not rule out protecting its national interests in the Arctic with military means, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.

According to Shoigu, a wide range of security threats and challenges is emerging lately in Russia's Arctic zone.

"Some developed countries that do not have direct access to the Arctic Circle are also taking certain political and military steps to gain advantages (in the Arctic region)," Shoigu said at a meeting with senior military commanders.

"To counter this trend, the Defense Ministry should focus on developing military infrastructure in the area," Tass news agency quoted the minister as saying.

The permanent military presence in the Arctic is considered as part of Russia's national security policy, as well as the possibility of protecting national interests in the region with military means, Shoigu added.

He noted that a military contingent deployed on the Chukotka Peninsula in the northeastern-most of Russia is being strengthened to ensure the protection of the country's Northern Sea Route and the prompt response to potential threats in the Arctic.

Shoigu recalled that defense regiments were formed last year in eastern military district and equipped with various upgraded weapons such as Su-30SM fighter aircraft.

"Forces have been permanently deployed in certain islands and have already started their mission to monitor the situation and provide air defense," Shoigu said.

Moreover, the minister claimed that a series of tests would continue this year in the northern latitudes to examine the adaptability of armaments and personnel to the harsh environment. Endite