Russia is reportedly planning to create a unified naval base network on its Arctic territories to host warships and submarines, in a bid to bolster the protection of its interests and borders.
Speaking at Russia’s Security Council meeting, Russia President Vladimir Putin said that the country needs to bolster its military infrastructure.
"In particular, to create in our part of the Arctic a unified network of naval facilities for new-generation ships and submarines," Putin said.
Urging the government to offer funding for the socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic during 2017-20, Putin also pressed for the creation of a separate state agency for implementing Russian policy in the Arctic, while boosting the value of governance and decision-making in the region.
Plans to reopen airfields and ports on the New Siberian Islands and the Franz Josef Land archipelago, in addition to about seven airstrips on the continental region of the Arctic Circle, have already been proposed by the Defense Ministry, reported RIA Novosti.
By late 2014 the Russian military is considering forming a new strategic military command called the Northern Fleet-Unified Strategic Command.
"The oil and gas production facilities, loading stations and pipelines must be well protected from terrorists and other potential threats," Putin added.
Russia, however, has also sought professionals to defend its territorial claims to the Arctic shelf.
Putin said: "Our experts must act similarly, for bilateral as well as multilateral consultations with Arctic countries’ governments, and safeguard each parcel of the continental shelf in the Russian part of the Arctic and marine areas."
