SOCHI, November 24 (Sputnik) — Russia's Arctic Command will be headquartered at a Northern Fleet's naval base and will become operational on December 1, President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
Russia is planning to form a combine-arms contingent and build a unified network of military facilities on its Arctic territories to host troops, advanced warships and aircraft as part of a plan to boost protection of the country’s interests and borders in the region.
A number of political, economic and military measures have been taken over the past few years to protect Russia's interests in the Arctic amid NATO's increased interest in the region.
In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the establishment of a new state body for the realization of Russian national policy in the region. The president also commissioned the government to prepare a project for a full financial support of the Arctic's development program.
