Russian military to move into Arctic to protect gas and oil
Russian military announces
thousands of military personnel
are being deployed to protect Arctic assets
The Russian military will set up Arctic forces to help protect the nation’s interests in the energy-rich region. Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said two Army brigades would be deployed in the territories beyond the Arctic Circle. “The General Staff is currently drafting plans to establish two [army brigade] formations, including deployment sites, armaments, troop numbers and infrastructure,” Mr. Serdyukov told reporters on Friday.
He said the Arctic forces may be stationed in the northern Russian cities of Murmansk or Arkhangelsk, but other locations are also being considered.
A military brigade, depending on it’s function, can be from 2,500 to 4,000 men strong, not an insignificant force.
Russian military ready to protect Arctic “firmly and consistently”
The plan to strengthen military forces in the Arctic was announced a day after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia would protect its interests in the region “firmly and consistently” and would stand by its territorial claims on the underwater Lomonosov and Mendeleev ridges in the Arctic Ocean, which is believed to hold up to a quarter of the Earth’s undiscovered oil and gas. Putin also said he promised to look after the region’s vulnerable ecology.
Mr. Serdyukov announced on Friday that the new submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile, Bulova, was ready for deployment on the new-generation Borei-class nuclear submarines that would operate in the Arctic.
The Russian Navy has also drawn up plans to deploy more surface battleships in Arctic ports to protect sea routes along Russia’s 22,600-km long Arctic coastline. The Russian military under Putin’s watchful eye, is making a major move.
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It’s even colder during the winter months