Russia to Deploy Naval Fighter, Surface to Air-Missile Regiments in Arctic

The command of the Russian armed forces in the Arctic will be enhanced by naval fighter and surface to air-missile regiments before the end of 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Shoigu said that the necessity to enhance Russia’s military presence in the Arctic arose due to the development of the Northern Sea Route and the need to protect national interests in the region.

"By the end of the year the formation of naval fighter and surface to air-missile regiments should be complete," he said at a panel session with senior officials from the Russian Armed Forces.

Russia has been pressing ahead with efforts to develop its Arctic territories, including hydrocarbon production and the development of the Northern Sea Route, which is gaining importance as an alternative to traditional routes from Europe to Asia. The country has also boosted its military presence in the area.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said in April that Russia was going to invest 222 billion rubles ($4.3 billion) in its Arctic development program in 2015-2020.