Russia deploys over 1,000 troops, weapons, equipment, builds 425 facilities in Arctic in 5 years - Shoigu
BALASHIKHA. Dec 22 (Interfax) - More than 1,000 Russian troops, weapons, and pieces of military equipment have been deployed in the Arctic over the past five years, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told the ministry's collegium on Friday.
"Construction is underway across the whole country, including in the Arctic, and at our military bases abroad. In all, 425 facilities have been built over a total area of 700,000 square meters in the Arctic, on the islands of Kotelny, Alexandra Land, Wrangel, and Cape Schmidt over the past five years. They serve as a base for over 1,000 troops, special weapons, and equipment," Shoigu said.
Efforts continue to build a "proper airfield on the Franz Josef Land archipelago, which will be able to take in aircraft year-round," Shoigu said.
No other country has ever implemented such massive projects in the Far North, the minister said.