Russian nuc subs to continue under-ice Arctic patrols

04.10.2010 Russian nuclear-powered submarines are not about to stop under-ice patrols in Arctic latitudes; intensity of patrols will depend on assigned tasks, reported RIA Novosti referring to a top-ranking official from the Navy Main HQ.

"Russian nuclear subs will continue to maintain necessary strategic presence in Arctic waters. This implies regular under-ice patrols of SSBNs with the view to prevent any threats to national security", said the interviewee.

According to him, the huge experience of under-ice cruises accumulated in Soviet time allows to provide timely response on potential external threats.

"Currently, the process of strategic patrols in Arctic has been completely recovered after crisis of 90's which negatively reflected on under-ice activities", said the interviewee.

Soviet nuclear-powered submarines of Northern and Pacific fleets used to perform up to 10 patrols in Arctic regions per year and regularly launched ballistic missiles from underwater and under-ice positions.

"As before, Russian naval presence in Arctic will be aimed at creation and maintaining favorable environment for implementation of Russian foreign policy's priorities", said the representative of the Navy Main HQ.

He underlined that alongside with international consolidation in peaceful exploration and use of Arctic regions, Russian Navy would continue to perform tasks on rational use of natural resources of the Arctic region for the purpose of Russia's socioeconomic development, in interests of national security and effective functioning of transport communications along Russia's northern borders.