During the Cold War, when the only route to America for bombers was through the North Pole, the Soviet Union built many military bases and airfields on the coast and islands of the Arctic. After the collapse of the USSR, most of these facilities were abandoned. It seemed that there would be eternal peace and nothing to spend money. The army left the North, the then government did not even consider the possibility of developing northern cities - and there was not enough money, and there was no desire.
Over the years, large deposits of oil (up to 30 percent of the world's reserves) and gas (up to 13 percent), diamonds, platinum, gold, tin, manganese, nickel, and lead have been found in the Arctic. According to some estimates, the total cost of minerals in the Arctic zone of Russia can reach $ 30 trillion. In general, the Arctic provides 11 percent of Russia's national income. Changing climatic conditions facilitate access to mining and mining. Warming is making possible the wider use of the Northern Sea Route for transporting goods between Europe and Asia, and the fact that the promising NSR is under Russian control is strongly disliked by some Western countries.
Time for strategic decisions
The Arctic territories have been governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea since 1982. Article 76 of this convention states that states that have access to the Arctic Ocean can declare a territory 200 nautical miles from the coast as their exclusive economic zone. And if the country manages to prove that the shelf is an extension of its land territory, then it has the right to receive another 150 nautical miles. While the planet's dome was covered with ice, few people were interested in these questions, but the arctic shell began to shrink and the situation changed.
It became easier to extract gas and oil on the shelf, and countries, both circumpolar and very far from these places, such as India or China, began to promote their interests in the region. Calls for Russia to share the water area and its resources, to make the passage along the Northern Sea Route free, began to be heard more often. And the country's leadership had to take up the defense of our interests.
With the reform of the army, new military districts were created. Zapadny, headquartered in St. Petersburg, was responsible for the European part of the country, including the Arctic. The Asian part of the Arctic is under the responsibility of the Eastern Military District. By 2014, it became clear that the size of the ZVO is somewhat large. After the return of Crimea to Russia, essentially the second cold war began. The tasks of the ZVO have changed significantly. The top military-political leadership decided to divide the Western District into two. The Northern Fleet was withdrawn from the Western Military District and from December 1, 2014, it was transformed into the joint strategic command "North". Now this newly created command is responsible for the defense of the Russian sector of the Arctic from the northwestern and northern directions. The defense of the northeastern direction remained in the area of responsibility of the Air Defense Forces. Probably, it would be worthwhile to transfer the entire Arctic coast to the zone of responsibility of the new command, but then the Kamchatka-Chukotka grouping would have to be included in it. But after such changes, only one coastal flotilla in Vladivostok would remain from the Pacific Fleet, and the submarine forces of the Pacific Fleet in Kamchatka would be in double subordination. In addition, it is difficult to manage units throughout the Arctic from Severomorsk - after all, there are eight time zones. Therefore, USC Sever is responsible for the defense of the sector from the border with Norway to Wrangel Island, and then comes the sphere of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet. Let's take a closer look at our Arctic forces.
At present, the Northern Fleet includes the following main units and formations.
Collage by Andrey Sedykh
The submarine forces of the Northern Fleet are primarily four submarine divisions: the 7th in Vidyaev, the 11th in Zaozersk, the 24th and 31st in Gadzhiev. The main strike surface formation of the fleet is the 43rd division of missile ships in Severomorsk.
The Kola flotilla of heterogeneous forces has in its brigade: 7 surface ships, 14 anti-submarine ships and 121 landing ships, 161 submarines, 536 coastal missile ships.
Subdivisions of the White Sea naval base are based in Severodvinsk. These are brigades of ships under repair (16th) and submarines under construction and repair (336th), as well as the 43rd division of OVR ships.
In total, the Northern Fleet is in service with 24 nuclear submarines (of which seven with ballistic and four with cruise missiles on board) and six diesel ones. Surface forces are represented by the giants of the Soviet era: TARKR "Peter the Great" and "Admiral Nakhimov", missile cruiser "Marshal Ustinov", aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov", destroyer "Ushakov". Large anti-submarine ships Admiral Chabanenko, Admiral Levchenko, Severomorsk, Vice-Admiral Kulakov and Admiral Kharlamov. The first large Russian-built ship, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, is still being tested. There are also six small anti-submarine and three MRKs, nine minesweepers and four landing ships.
The combat and logistical support units include reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communications and surveillance subunits.
The rear of the fleet includes a logistics center, a detachment of support vessels, an emergency rescue service and other parts, including a hydrographic one.
Since the military district is entitled to the Air Force and Air Defense Army, this was created at number 45 in 2015. It included both naval aviation units and units of the former 1st command of the Air Force and Air Defense ZVO. It currently has the 279th and 100th shipborne fighter regiments with the Su-33 and MiG-29KR, respectively. The 7050th airbase (Il-38, Tu-142MK, Ka-27) has two anti-submarine, one rescue and two helicopter squadrons. The 98th mixed air regiment in Monchegorsk includes squadrons of Su-24M bombers, Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft and MiG-31 fighters. Units of the 1st Air Defense Division are deployed on the Kola Peninsula, in Severodvinsk and on Novaya Zemlya. She is the direct heir to the famous 10th Air Defense Army, which covered the north of the country and Moscow from possible enemy air strikes.
But the USC is not only ships and aircraft, but also units of the coastal and ground forces. The Northern Fleet already included the 61st Marine Brigade and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade, stationed near the city of Pechenga. They are standard parts. In 2014, plans were made public for the creation of two special Arctic motorized rifle brigades. The first was the 80th, created in 2015 in Alakurti. The second was planned to be formed in 2016 in Yamal. However, at the moment, no information has been received about tenders for the construction of a military town on this peninsula. Most likely, the Ministry of Defense is waiting for the results of the development of the first, in many respects still experimental, brigade. She gets into service with special arctic equipment of high cross-country ability, in particular, two-link all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and so on. The fighters are mastering with might and main both the Arctic methods of survival of small peoples, and exotic transport - deer, they study the methods of warfare in the Arctic.
In 2014–2015, the 99th tactical group was deployed to Kotelny (Novosibirsk Islands). It consisted of an anti-aircraft missile and artillery battalion with the Pantsir-S1 air defense system and a coastal missile battalion with the Rubezh ballistic missile complex, command and control, communications and logistical support units. Most likely, this example is used to develop promising tactical groups that are planned to be deployed on the islands in the future.
In Kamchatka and Chukotka, there are units of the joint command of troops and forces in northeast Russia (OKVS). The grouping includes brigades: the 114th surface ships, the 40th marines, the 520th coastal missile, as well as the 53rd air defense division, the 7060th airbase, units of combat and logistic support. In addition, the Pacific Fleet's submarine forces are deployed in Kamchatka as part of the 10th and 25th submarine divisions. The group is armed with 15 nuclear submarines (six with ballistic and five with cruise missiles), two small anti-submarine ships, four MRK, three minesweepers.
Erasing white spots
In recent years, studies of the Arctic Ocean have been sharply intensified, both for obtaining hydrographic and oceanographic information, and for military purposes.
The previously top-secret department of the GUGI began to be involved in activities in the interests of the national economy. For example, a submarine known as Losharik took part in the Arctic-2012 expedition in underwater drilling operations on the Lomonosov and Mendeleev Ridges. The work was carried out with the aim of expanding the boundaries of the continental shelf of Russia and, accordingly, increasing its economic zone. However, so far the UN Commission on the Law of the Sea has not made a decision. With the entry into service of the cruiser GUGI "Yantar", research will undoubtedly continue.
At the Northern Fleet and Pacific Fleet, hydrographic expeditions were actively resumed to clarify the coastline of the islands and straits, and update navigation maps. In 2013, a new geographical feature was found in the Novosibirsk Islands archipelago. The small (less than 500 square meters) Yaya Island gave the country 452 square miles of Exclusive Economic Zone. The Russian Geographical Society also conducts a large number of different studies. There are fewer white spots in the Arctic.
An interesting point was the active development of high-latitude waters by warships. When a group of combat and auxiliary ships headed by "Peter the Great" set off along the Northern Sea Route in the fall of 2013, all observers considered this to be a practice of transferring ships to the Pacific Ocean along the NSR. However, the group reached the New Siberian Islands and set about creating a base at Kotelny. It should be noted that in Soviet times, the activities of the Northern Fleet warships in the Laptev or East Siberian Sea were not observed, with the exception of the transfer of ships to the Pacific Fleet via the NSR. And now the campaigns of warships in this region have become commonplace.
The peculiarity of the Arctic program of the RF Armed Forces is its complexity. It seems that nothing has been forgotten, even the issues of special military education. For example, the Far Eastern Higher Command School is training officers for operations in high latitudes. As part of the Airborne Forces, a center for Arctic combat training has been created.
By the way, about the Airborne Forces. Units of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's main reserve are constantly participating in maneuvers and exercises in the Arctic Circle, which, in general, is understandable. In the event of an attack on our outposts, the paratroopers will be the first to be thrown into battle.
Base, I can see you!
After the 90s, in the North, in fact, only the military base on Novaya Zemlya survived, which is not surprising, since the only Russian nuclear test site is located here. Currently, the Spetsstroy Corporation is rebuilding the network of military bases on the islands and the coast of the Arctic Ocean.
But the first outpost was the border guards town of Nagurskoe in Franz Josef Land. It is clear that this point was created not to catch migrants on the way from Somalia to Norway, but to display our flag on the most remote island. Currently, military camps are being built on the island of Alexandra Land, where the Nagurskoye point is located, on the Middle (Severnaya Zemlya archipelago), on Kotelniy. These are divisions of the Federation Council. The garrisons on Wrangel Island and Cape Schmidt belong to the BBO.
Each such outpost is a mini-town with living quarters and storage facilities and an airfield with group parking, including covered ones for accommodating a flight of four Su-34 bombers. The creation of heated hangars is envisaged for them. Typical structure of military units at outposts: an aviation commandant's office, a separate radar company, an aviation guidance point, an anti-aircraft missile artillery battalion, communications and support units. Thus, the garrison can monitor the surrounding territory, ensure the reception and basing of aircraft of any type, including strategic bombers, and conduct self-defense.
The estimated cost of such a town with the reconstruction or construction of an airfield can reach four billion rubles. They are designed according to a closed technology, all structures, both residential and administrative buildings and boxes with military equipment, are connected by passages. The personnel can serve without leaving the premises.
Work is underway at the airfields of Severomorsk, Naryan-Mar, Vorkuta, Anadyr, Norilsk, Tiksi, Rogachevo, Ugolny. In total, it is planned to build or reconstruct 13 of them.
In Soviet times, air defense fighter regiments (Amderma, Kilp-Yavr, Rogachevo) were based at some airfields in northern Russia. Others, such as Vorkuta or Anadyr, served to disperse long-range aviation during the war.
It is planned to create naval bases in the ports of Dikson, Pevek and Tiksi. The revival of the abandoned base in Yokanga is not ruled out.
Spaces such as the Arctic Ocean must be constantly monitored. For this purpose, a Unified State System for Lighting the Surface, Underwater and Air Situation is being created. It will include automated radio engineering units with radars for detecting air and sea targets. Work is underway on a lighting system for the underwater environment. A single complex of satellite communications with coastal facilities, ships, submarines and aircraft is being formed. The development of the multipurpose space system "Arktika" is underway, which will include satellites for radar observation, communication and control, hydrometeorological observation.
An impressive program of replacing weapons and military equipment is under way. The Arctic brigade receives TTM-1901 snowmobiles and DT-10PM two-link tracked all-terrain vehicles.
It is planned to form a number of Air Force and Air Defense units, which will be located at military outposts under construction. An anti-aircraft missile regiment with the S-300 complex was formed on the island of Novaya Zemlya in Rogachev. Air Defense Forces receive S-400 complexes, two regiments have already been rearmed. Anti-aircraft missile and artillery divisions receive the Pantsir-S1 ZRAK. As the coastal missile and artillery forces are saturated with the Bastion and Ball complexes, we should expect the creation of new tactical groups like the 99th deployed at Kotelniy, which has units of the Rubezh BRK and Pantsir-S1 air defense missile systems.
Aviation receives new modernized IL-38N anti-submarine aircraft. In 2015, a second naval aviation regiment was formed, fully armed with carrier-based MiG-29KR, but it will take time for it to reach operational readiness. The modernized MiG-31BM appeared in the air defense. After the completion of the reconstruction of airfields, we should certainly expect the deployment of new air defense units on them. GK VKS has already announced plans to deploy MiG-31 fighters in Tiksi, Anadyr and, possibly, Novaya Zemlya in 2017. We should expect the deployment of new units of front-line aviation with Su-34 bombers and Su-30SM attack aircraft. It is possible that the 279th Aviation Regiment will replace its Su-33s after the expiration of their service life with the Su-34. A squadron is deployed in Kamchatka and Chukotka, armed with unmanned aerial vehicles "Orlan-10" and "Forpost", a similar unit has been formed on the Kola Peninsula. In the future, these squadrons will become regiments. An arctic version of the Mi-171A2 helicopter is being created. VKS plans to purchase up to 100 of them. So we should expect the formation of several helicopter regiments.
By far the most visible embodiment of any weapons program is the building of ships and submarines. In this regard, both the Federation Council and the OKVS are waiting for serious updates, although not as soon as we would like.
Of particular note is the modernization program for surface ships and submarines. CS Zvezdochka is engaged in modernization of nuclear submarines of projects 971 and 945, repairs missile submarines of project 667BDRM. The Zvezda plant in Bolshoy Kamen is modernizing Project 949A submarines. In general, by 2025, a second wind can be expected for all existing third-generation nuclear submarines - eight boats with cruise missiles of Project 949A, four multipurpose nuclear submarines of Project 945 and 945A and 12 of Project 971.
The Sevmash plant is reconstructing the nuclear-powered cruiser Admiral Nakhimov. The previously announced deadline for its completion (2018) has been postponed to 2020. After that, "Peter the Great" will get up for overhaul. The hull of the cruiser "Frunze", aka "Admiral Lazarev" may wait in the wings to be restored in Strelok Bay in Primorye. "Marshal Ustinov" in 2016 must leave the territory of "Zvezdochka" and return to the SF. Severomorsk BODs began to undergo medium repairs with modernization. The first of them - "Admiral Chabanenko" will return to the fleet in 2018.
Under the program of military shipbuilding until 2050, serious reserves are being created for the development and renewal of the composition of the Northern Fleet and OKVS. True, the construction of a series of new frigates of Project 22350 "Admiral Gorshkov" is still stalled both due to lack of knowledge of electronic systems, and in connection with the reorientation of the production of gas turbine propulsion systems from Ukraine to Russia. There are programs for the construction of corvettes and other surface ships. Of particular note is the creation of multipurpose icebreakers, such as the Ilya Muromets launched in St. Petersburg (for more details see page 08) and two Arctic patrol ships, which are expected to be laid down this fall.
Sevmash is implementing a program for the construction of fourth generation nuclear submarines. In 2020-2025, the submarine forces of the Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet receive eight Project 955A SSBNs (three are already in service) and seven multipurpose 855 families (the head is in service). But the diesel-electric submarines of Project 677 are stalled, and most likely several Project 636.3 submarines will be ordered for the Northern Fleet in a couple of years, which are now being built for the Black Sea and Pacific fleets (New Varshavyanki).
In the interests of the border service of the FSB, a series of patrol ships of project 22100 is being built. The lead of them, the Polar Star, is now completing tests. It is planned to build several more such ships.
This is for you, rescuers, this is for you, environmentalists
The Arctic zone is rich not only in subsoil, but also in a large number of hazardous industries, nuclear facilities, which are under the close scrutiny of the Ministry of Emergencies. The agency has deployed on the coast three integrated emergency rescue centers in Arkhangelsk, Naryan-Mar and Dudinka, four regional search and rescue teams, 196 fire brigades with a total number of about 10 thousand.
In Soviet times, the issues of ecology and environmental protection were not given due attention. Now one of the important tasks solved by the military is the cleaning of the coast from the remaining debris, mainly barrels from fuel and lubricants. For this purpose, special divisions have been formed that collect scrap metal and utilize it.
It is planned to create a regional environmental center of the Northern Fleet, which will take over the functions of monitoring and controlling compliance with Russian and international environmental legislation both in the locations of the fleet and army units, and in the entire Arctic zone.
