Russia to deploy Arctic brigade in 2011

Russia is going to deploy a special motorized infantry brigade in its Arctic sector in 2011, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The brigade will be deployed in the Kola Peninsula in the western part of Arctic but would be responsible for operations in the whole Arctic region, Interfax news agency reported.

The new Arctic brigade will be created on the grounds of an existing motorized infantry brigade and will be based in the town of Pechenga near Russia-Norway border.

The brigade will be armed with ordinary weapons, special clothing and equipment designed for use in Arctic conditions. The Defense Ministry said the experience of Norwegian and Finnish Arctic forces have been studied during the preparation for the brigade's deployment.

Earlier, Russia's Security Council approved the fundamental principles of the national Arctic policy until 2020. This document envisioned deployment of the armed forces in the region, capable to maintain security in various military-political conditions.

On Wednesday, the Russian Parliament's upper house, the Federation Council, has ratified the agreement with Norway on the Barents Sea delimitation, which establishes a sea delimitation line dividing the disputed area approximately into two equal parts.

Source: Xinhua

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