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| 1st since Soviet times: Russian anti-sub aviation flies to N. American shores via North Pole | 1st since Soviet times: Russian anti-sub aviation flies to N. American shores via North Pole |
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| Russian anti-submarine aviation has conducted the first training flight over the North Pole to North American shores since the Soviet era, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu says. | Russian anti-submarine aviation has conducted the first training flight over the North Pole to North American shores since the Soviet era, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu says. |
| “For the very first time since the Soviet era, we’ve conducted anti-submarine aviation flights over the North Pole to the shores of the North American continent,” Shoigu said on Wednesday. | “For the very first time since the Soviet era, we’ve conducted anti-submarine aviation flights over the North Pole to the shores of the North American continent,” Shoigu said on Wednesday. |
| The development and modernization of the Northern Fleet, as well as the Arctic in general, remains among the main priorities of the MoD. As of the beginning of this year, the share of modern weaponry and military equipment in the fleet has reached almost 50 percent, the minister stated. | The development and modernization of the Northern Fleet, as well as the Arctic in general, remains among the main priorities of the MoD. As of the beginning of this year, the share of modern weaponry and military equipment in the fleet has reached almost 50 percent, the minister stated. |
| In 2017 alone, the Northern Fleet “received 1,090 pieces of modern hardware, including five combat speedboats, seven logistics vessels, nine aircraft and 10 anti-air radar systems.” | In 2017 alone, the Northern Fleet “received 1,090 pieces of modern hardware, including five combat speedboats, seven logistics vessels, nine aircraft and 10 anti-air radar systems.” |
| This year, the fleet has been bolstered by further additions, including the icebreaker ‘Ilya Muromets,’ while military logistics vessel ‘Elbrus’ is also about to join its ranks. Several other vessels are undergoing final tests before their deployment, according to Shoigu. | This year, the fleet has been bolstered by further additions, including the icebreaker ‘Ilya Muromets,’ while military logistics vessel ‘Elbrus’ is also about to join its ranks. Several other vessels are undergoing final tests before their deployment, according to Shoigu. |
| Over the past few years, Russia has significantly beefed up its defensive capabilities on its northern borders, building new military facilities and refurbishing old ones, and deploying more troops and hardware to the Arctic region. | Over the past few years, Russia has significantly beefed up its defensive capabilities on its northern borders, building new military facilities and refurbishing old ones, and deploying more troops and hardware to the Arctic region. |
| Russia currently has four bases there, including the northernmost military compound, known as ‘Arctic Trefoil.’ The installation is the world’s only permanent structure built at 80 degrees latitude north of the Equator. | Russia currently has four bases there, including the northernmost military compound, known as ‘Arctic Trefoil.’ The installation is the world’s only permanent structure built at 80 degrees latitude north of the Equator. |
| Notably, Russia’s build-up in the Arctic region serves solely defensive purposes, the country’s top officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have repeatedly stated. | |
| “We won’t threaten anybody, but using our advantages of a territorial nature in this case, we will ensure the security of Russia and its citizens. In this sense, the Arctic region is extremely important for Russia,” the president said in a documentary titled ‘Putin,’ aired earlier this month. | |
| The development of the Arctic is not limited to military infrastructure – maintaining and developing Russia’s unique fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers is also a priority. The icebreakers serve both military and civilian purposes. The vessels accompany other ships through the ice along Russia’s northern coasts, and guide them into the mouths of large rivers, providing support for trade and logistics flowing through the Northeast Passage. | |
| Like this story? Share it with a friend! | Like this story? Share it with a friend! |