Russia will create in the Arctic research and experimental center for the military
The Russian Defense Ministry plans to establish a research and experimental scientific center in the Arctic this year, according to Lieutenant-General Igor Makushev, Chairman of the Military Scientific Committee of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as reported by RIA Novosti.
"On the order of the President, as part of the development of the Arctic zone in 2017, it is planned to create a research and experimental Arctic scientific center. It is planned to establish the center's subdivisions in Arkhangelsk, Priozersk, and St. Petersburg," Makushev said.
The center will solve scientific problems related to the provision of troops in the Arctic and the creation of new weapons systems and equipment.
According to the general, the Military Scientific Committee is in favor of receiving proposals for all work related to this project from research institutes. "This will ensure the highest integrity of the results, as well as the compliance with the characteristics and requirements of the newly created weaponry," Makushev said.
In recent years, Russia has embarked on the active economic development of its northern territories, including hydrocarbon extraction, as well as the development of the Northern Sea Route, which has increasingly become an alternative to traditional routes from Europe to Asia. According to RIA Novosti, the whole range of measures, including military ones, is aimed at protecting Russian interests in the Arctic, given the increased attention to the region on the part of NATO member countries.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of a unified system for the deployment of a new generation of ships and submarines in the Russian Arctic. According to him, it is also necessary to improve the security of the Russian border in the Arctic and to strengthen the naval component of the border guard.