The main building complex of the base “Arctic shamrock”. Photo Defense Ministry
One of the main topics of recent times is the protection of the northern borders of the country.. To solve such problems in the Arctic, a number of programs of various kinds are being implemented.. Organizational structure is undergoing transformation, various construction projects are being carried out and new samples of the material part are being created. Some of the tasks were successfully completed, and other works will be completed only in the future.
Organization issues
FROM 1 December 2014 g. The Russian Armed Forces have a Joint Strategic Command (USC) "Northern Fleet", created on the basis of the Northern Fleet itself. Surface and submarine forces, as well as coastal troops are responsible for strategic security throughout the northern borders.
5 June 2020 g. signed a presidential decree, according to which USC "Northern Fleet" is waiting for the transformation. FROM 1 January 2021 g. The command changes its status and becomes a new military district. This transformation is aimed at optimizing command and control processes and interaction with other military districts..
The formation of new units and formations continues in the region. So, in April of this year in. Tixi-3 (Yakutia) the newly formed 414th Guards Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of the 3rd Air Defense Division took up combat duty. With the help of the S-300PS air defense system, it should cover the Tiksi-3 airfield and the nearby area. Very likely, that in the near future new parts for various purposes will appear in the Arctic.
Tankers of the coastal troops of the Northern Fleet on the new T-80BVM. Photo Defense Ministry
Clearing and construction
For objective reasons,, the armed forces have to re-create the necessary infrastructure in the Arctic. Existing objects, unusable, demolish. Besides, cleaning of territories with the removal of previously left garbage. So, carried out environmental cleanup last year 113 thousand. sq. km and collected 23 thousand tons of scrap metal. This year, similar work is being carried out at Cape Marre-Sale, Novaya Zemlya archipelago and Kildin and Wrangel islands. In the future, other territories will be relieved of unnecessary and hazardous materials.
In the recent past, the construction of new bases has been completed, made using all modern technologies. So, The Arctic Shamrock base appeared on Franz Josef Land, but on about. Boiler house began work "Northern Clover". Their tasks include providing air defense and coastal defense., as well as the operation of airfields and other infrastructure.
Of all the ongoing construction projects, the work at the Nagurskaya airfield is of the greatest interest. (about. Land of Alexandra, Franz Josef Land). In the spring, this facility resumed operation and receives various aircraft. However, the reconstruction is not completed., and builders continue to work. At the beginning of June it was reported, that the nuclear-powered lighter carrier Sevmorput delivered more than 15 thousand tons of various materials. Firstly, these are reinforced concrete slabs for laying the runway.
Nagurskaya is the northernmost airfield at the disposal of the Russian army. After the reconstruction is completed, it will be able to receive any aircraft, including heavy, in any season. Reconstruction to be completed soon, and the airfield will be able to again provide the operation of any aircraft, incl. heavy classes.
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Arctic SAM “Tor-M2DT” and “Shell-SA”. Photo by AP RF
By the end of the year, the construction of the first stage of the Rezonans-N radar network will be completed. Current plans include deployment of such systems on Novaya Zemlya, in the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions. Three objects are ready, and the remaining two are being completed on the Kola Peninsula. In January, Russian media reported on the possible construction of five more Rezonans-N radars east of Novaya Zemlya.. This will create a detection field along almost the entire length of the northern borders.
In addition to the construction of new facilities, USC Northern Fleet maintains the state of the existing infrastructure and prepares for operation in future periods.. So, in April, it was reported about the start of preparations for the navigational delivery of wintering supplies to remote garrisons. To 1 October 60 divisions and units, serving in 48 remote locations, receive a total 35,4 thousand tons of reserves.
At the end of June, the completion was announced 75% works on current repairs of thermal and water and sewer facilities. One new chimney built, replaced 10 boilers and more 45 pumps. Service performed for more than 240 objects.
northern rearmament
Plans are being implemented to upgrade the fleet of equipment and weapons of USC units. Since last year, the coastal troops of the Northern Fleet began operating the upgraded T-80BVM MBT. According to media reports, new parts will receive such equipment this year, which will positively affect the overall combat capability of coastal troops. Other modern armored vehicles are also supplied.
Launchers “Bastion”, representative on duty at Fr. Land of Alexandra. Photo Defense Ministry
Last year, another divisional set of the Bastion missile system was handed over to the coastal troops., which was soon deployed on about. Land of Alexandra. In autumn and winter, personnel were engaged in the development of such equipment, and in April, the first exercises were held with access to the deployment area and "electronic" launches. The personnel confirmed their skills. Now the Northern Fleet has two Bastion divisions at different bases..
To solve transport problems, the purchase of a variety of off-road vehicles continues. The units are two-link all-terrain vehicles DT-10, DT-30 and GAZ-3344-20; development of several new samples of this kind continues. To meet all the needs of the northern group of troops, hundreds of such products are needed., and a fairly large fleet of such equipment has already been formed
Construction and deliveries of new aviation equipment continue, designed for operation in arctic conditions. For the transportation of people and cargo, multi-purpose helicopters Mi-8AMTSH-VA and Mi-26 in the northern configuration are purchased. However, the number of such technologies is not yet too large., and it has to be used together with the "normal".
Especially for the Arctic
An important trend in recent years has been the creation of new armored combat vehicles for various purposes., adapted to work in the harsh arctic climate on specific landscapes. Some of them have already been adopted, while others are still being tested.
Promising SAO “magnolia”. Flyer from the Central Research Institute “petrel”
FROM 2018 g. USC "Northern Fleet" receives anti-aircraft missile systems "Tor-M2DT" and "Pantsir-SA". They are built on the chassis of the all-terrain vehicle DT-30: the rear link of the machine is given for the installation of the combat module and other systems of the complex. In the case of the Arctic Thor, a used set of equipment is used. "Shell-SA", in its turn, differs from the basic ZRPK in the absence of a gun and a large number of missiles.
While the self-propelled artillery gun "Magnolia" is being tested. It is also made on the basis of DT-30: the rear link is equipped with a fighting compartment from the CAO 2S31 "Vienna" with the appropriate weapons and equipment. The appearance of "Magnolia" in the troops belongs to the foreseeable future.
In recent years, other samples of equipment for northern conditions have been repeatedly demonstrated., however, not all of them were able to go beyond the landfills. So, the prospects for the Toros fire support combat vehicle based on the MT-LBu transporter remain unclear, there is no new information about the BMP "Knight", etc.. However, despite the lack of real results, the very fact of the existence of such projects shows a great interest in the Arctic topics not only among the military, but also in industry.
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Marine novelties
21 July, the frigate "Admiral of the Fleet Kasatonov" was included in the Northern Fleet – first production ship. 22350. The lead frigate of this type serves with 2018 city, and next year the delivery of the third combat unit is expected, also to the Northern Fleet. Before the end of the year, the transfer of a small rocket ship. 22800 - the first of several planned. AT 2018 g. the flag of the Navy was raised on the large landing ship "Ivan Gren" pr. 11711, and this year the Northern Fleet will receive the same type of BDK - "Pyotr Morgunov".
RPKSN “Prince Vladimir” – nuclear deterrent. Фото Wikimedia Commons
Of great importance for the surface forces of the USC "Northern Fleet" is the construction of multifunctional patrol ships pr. 23550. Lead "Ivan Papanin" was launched last year, and the second "Nikolai Zubov" is still being built on the slipway. Delivery to the customer is scheduled for 2023-24 gg. 26 July, the third guard ship "Purga" was laid - it is being built by order of the FSB border service. This structure wants to receive two ships pr. 23550.
Ships pr. 23550 combine the functions and capabilities of a watchdog, icebreaker and tugboat. They will be able to carry out the protection of water areas, steer and tow ships, etc.. Ships for the Navy and PS FSB have missile, artillery and machine gun weapons, and also capable of carrying helicopters.
In June, the submarine forces of the Northern Fleet were replenished with the strategic missile carrier "Prince Vladimir" pr. 955A. This is the second such ship in its composition.. At the end of the year, the commissioning of the multi-purpose nuclear submarine "Kazan" is possible.. 885M, However, a postponement to 2021 is not ruled out.. Also, at the end of this year, the service of the special nuclear submarine "Belgorod" is expected to begin.. 09852, capable of carrying underwater vehicles for various purposes.
Navy Auxiliary Fleet Receives Various Vessels, incl. diesel-electric icebreakers. 21180(M). The lead "Ilya Muromets" became part of the Northern Fleet in 2017 g. In the near future, the ship "Evpaty Kolovrat" is expected. Icebreakers of this series are intended for escorting ships and vessels, transportation of goods and participation in various rescue operations. Earlier it was reported about the possibility of installing weapons for self-defense.
double assignment
The construction of icebreakers and related infrastructure is of great importance for strategic security and economic development in the northern direction.. Russia has a developed icebreaker fleet, incl. atomic, and its development continues. In the foreseeable future, new ships of this class with improved performance are expected..
BDK Ave. 11711 “Ivan Gren”. Photo Defense Ministry
At the beginning of the year, at the highest level, the construction of the lead nuclear icebreaker pr. 10510 "Leader". 23 April there was a corresponding contract, a 6 July at the Zvezda plant (g. Big Stone) metal cutting started. The official laying will take place soon. The lead icebreaker of the project will be named "Russia" and will begin service in 2027 g.
The construction of nuclear icebreakers continues. 22220. The lead ship "Arktika" has already entered sea trials, and will begin service before the end of the year. Two more icebreakers, "Siberia" and "Ural", until they have progressed beyond mooring trials. The fourth vessel was laid down at the end of May, "Yakutia". There is a contract for the fifth icebreaker "Chukotka". Serial icebreakers pr. 22220 expected to be handed over to 2021-26 gg.
Atomflot plans to develop infrastructure for the operation of existing and under construction icebreakers. Now it has two floating docks with a capacity of up to 28 outside. At the end of May, a tender was announced for the construction of a new dock at 30 outside. The winner will be announced soon, and after that, preparations for construction will begin.
Aims and means
Joint Strategic Command "Northern Fleet", which will soon be given the status of a military district, solves several main tasks in the Arctic region. USC provides protection of the northern land and sea borders of the country, as well as the exclusive economic zone. The Northern Fleet is involved in strategic and non-nuclear deterrence of a potential enemy. Besides, he is responsible for the safety of navigation on the Northern Sea Route. Area of responsibility of the Command - from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka.
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Head icebreaker pr. 23550 “Ivan Papanin” after launching. A photo “Admiralty shipyards”
The development of the Arctic group of troops began before the creation of the USC "Northern Fleet" and continued with its advent. The set strategic tasks are solved in several main ways, providing for the modernization of existing structures and facilities, and the construction and deployment of new.
The core of the Arctic grouping of forces is the surface and submarine forces of the Northern Fleet. In recent years, they have received a lot of new ships and auxiliary ships of various classes.. Construction continues, which leads to an increase in combat capability. In parallel, the logistics potential is also growing., necessary to ensure the service of remote garrisons.
The most important contribution to the defense is made by coastal troops and other ground formations.. The deployment of radar stations continues to cover the strategic direction. Anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems are on duty. Infantry and tankers do not go unnoticed, receiving a new material part.
Increased requirements for logistics are imposed by the emergence of new and / or the restoration of previously existing military units in the north of the continent and on the islands. Their supply is almost always possible only by air or sea., and only for limited periods.. The corresponding USC services cope not only with maintaining the state of existing databases, but also with the construction or reconstruction of new facilities.
The proposed appearance of the icebreaker pr. 10510. Graphic arts “Rosatom”
Army within an army
In this way, USC "Northern Fleet" is gradually turning into a full-fledged "army within the army". The Command has all the main forces and means at its disposal., allowing to conduct various activities both in the Arctic region, and beyond - protecting the country's borders or projecting force.
Surface and submarine forces of the fleet are capable of operating in the seas of the Arctic Ocean or entering the North Atlantic. In perspective, as new icebreakers are received, they will also be able to enter the area of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet along the shortest route. At the same time, in all cases, the ships of the Northern Fleet retain all their functions and capabilities..
Naval aviation of the Northern Fleet is capable of protecting ship groups or coastal facilities, assert air superiority and attack the enemy fleet. There is basic and carrier-based aviation; tactical and long range.
Land formations include various means of detection and defense. With their help, the detection of targets at long ranges and the defeat of objects in the reach zone are ensured.. In fact, coastal formations organize a full-fledged “denial of access” zone for air and surface targets. There are developed forces with tanks, motorized rifles and marines, capable of defending the coast or participating in amphibious operations.
Should be considered, that the construction of the "Arctic Army" as part of the USC "Northern Fleet" has not yet been completed. The process of forming and deploying connections continues, rearmament, etc.. Current plans of this kind are scheduled for several years ahead and provide for a new increase in combat capability. In this way, in the foreseeable future, the new military district will become even stronger and will be able to solve all assigned tasks in a strategically important area.
Kirill Ryabov
