Russia Deploys Air Defense Systems in Arctic

Deputy head of Russian Aerospace Defence Forces said that Russia has already deployed air defense missile and artillery weapon systems Pantsir and plans to place MiG-31 interceptor aircraft in the Arctic region.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia has already deployed air defense missile and artillery weapon systems Pantsir (SA-22 Greyhound) and plans to place MiG-31 (Foxhound) interceptor aircraft in the Arctic region, deputy head of Russian Aerospace Defence Forces said on Saturday.

“We have already placed there gun systems Pantsir. Deployment of MiG-31 on the Russian Arctic airfield is planned,” Maj. Gen. Kirill Makarov told Russian radio.

Makarov added that MiG-31 jets would protect Russian warships that could sail along the Northern Sea Route in case of any escalation or armed conflict scenario.

Makarov also said that Russian aerospace defense equipment provided almost a 100-percent protection of Moscow from a possible air offense.

Bolstering Russia’s presence in the Arctic region is part of the country’s military strategy through 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in late 2014 that Russia is not planning to militarize the Arctic, but is taking necessary measures to ensure its security in the region.