Russia deploys warships in Arctic to protect national interests

22.10.2010 Russia will station warships in Arctic to protect its national interests in the region, reported Interfax referring to a top-ranking official from Navy Main HQ.

According to the source, both surface ships and subs of Russian Navy will be armed with new countermine systems by 2015 to operate safely in Arctic waters. They will protect sea and ocean lanes, coastal assets, and Russian interests in hydrocarbon deposit areas.

DPA agency reminds that during International Arctic Forum in Moscow Russian premier Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to defend Russian territorial claims in Arctic within the framework of international legislation. On the other hand, Russia has repeatedly warned it would use force when necessary to protect its rights for oil-and-gas exploitations.

In the nearest time Russia intends to submit materials of scientific research to UN with a view to confirm that Russia's continental shelf spreads so far in Arctic that it can claim for hydrocarbon deposits near the North Pole. However, other countries like the U.S. and Canada have also urged their claims for this region.