In 2021, the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance conducted 20 operational training events in the Arctic, said Fleet Commander Admiral Alexander Moiseev
ST. PETERSBURG, December 3. /tass/. The duration and intensity of military exercises of foreign states in the Arctic region has increased over the past three years. In 2021, the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance held 20 operational training events in the Arctic, Admiral Alexander Moiseev, Commander of the Northern Fleet, said at the XI International Forum "The Arctic: Present and Future".
"The naval forces of the United States and NATO countries continue the practice of performing regular single and group cruises of combat surface ships in the Barents Sea. We have noted an increase in the duration of the presence of submarines and surface ships of the US Navy in the Barents and Norwegian Seas," Admiral Moiseev said in his speech at the forum.
In 2019 and 2020, the alliance countries conducted 18 exercises in the Arctic. In addition, there is an increase in the intensity of training flights of American strategic bombers in the region. If in 2016-2018 such exercises were isolated events, then in 2021 10 sorties were carried out with the participation of 28 aircraft.
"Such actions are provocative in nature and have a negative impact on the regional security system as a whole," Admiral Moiseev assessed the current situation.
In turn, the Russian side is increasing the combat capabilities of groups of troops and forces of the Northern Fleet, improving the system of integrated control over the air, surface and underwater situation. Military infrastructure facilities are also being created and modernized. In addition, new military camps are being built on the islands of the Arctic Ocean and on the Arctic coast to accommodate formations and units of the Northern Fleet. According to Admiral Moiseev, this should provide a comfortable modern environment for military personnel to live and work.