Russia Launches Arctic Drill

 

According to the Northern Fleet Commander Admiral Vladimir Korolev, this exercise is directed to strengthening security of the Russian Arctic, providing free economic activity of the country and protection of its territory against potential military threats.

 

More than 1,000 soldiers, 14 aircraft and 34 special military units are taking part in drills in northern Siberia, weeks after Russia pressed a claim at the United Nations for an additional 1.2 million square kilometers (463,000 square miles) of Arctic shelf.

 

Admiral Vladimir Korolev also stressed that the scheduled exercise was absolutely defensive and was not aimed against any countries.

 

Troops, hardware and armaments of the Arctic brigade's units have been transported to the exercises area. Arctic motorized infantry units were carried by landing ships of the Northern Fleet operating within a group of warships, the report said.