Tourists will be replaced by soldiers and scientists on the North Pole this spring. Instead of the traditional Barneo ice camp, Russia is about to establish two bases – one for scientists and one for the military.
Sevmash Shipyard has started construction of “Arkhangelsk”, the latest 4th generation nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine of the Yasen-class.
Crew members get stressed and limits are pushed when the alarm bell calls for snap combat readiness exercises like the ongoing one with the Northern Fleet. History tells us that submarine accidents happen when tensions are high, says Nils Bøhmer with Bellona.
The snap combat readiness exercise for the Northern Fleet that was initiated on Monday has led to a sharp increase in military activity in the high north. Aircraft and paratroopers are being relocated from other bases in Russia to the Arctic.
Today’s snap combat readiness exercise of the Northern Fleet and other units is a traditional practice and not connected with the international situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says.
After being away from public appearance for 10 days, the Russian President first thing Monday ordered full alert in a snap combat readiness exercise for the Northern Fleet based on the Kola Peninsula.
Weighing in on EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s idea of a European Union military force, Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said he sees it as an unrealistic venture at present, but is glad the issue is being aired.
After years of focusing on international operations and phasing-in of new equipment, the Norwegian Navy is ready for more activity in the northernmost parts of the country. This week Norway’s newest frigate “Thor Heyerdahl” took part in the Joint Viking exercise.
Despite the chill in regular military cooperation, Norwegian and Russian rescue centers will team up with coast guard forces from both countries for a joint exercise on search and rescue and oil spill preparedness.
Russia is prepared to protect its interests in the Arctic with military means if necessary, says Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu, pointing to the increasing interest in the region’s resources by countries with no direct access to the Arctic.
