Russia unveils giant military base in remote Arctic region
- 7 years ago
ALEXANDRA LAND, RUSSIA — Russia’s Defence Ministry has released a “virtual tour” of the country's new Arctic military base.
The Arkticheskiy Trilistnik or “Arctic Trefoil” base has been built on the Russian territory of Alexandra Land, an island in the Franz Josef Land Archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
The 14,000 sqm base is built on stilts, which are designed to help it withstand extreme cold weather that can reach as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.
The base will house 150 personnel on a 18-month period of duty. The main components of the base remain top-secret but the Russian military said the facility is equipped with a clinic, library, chapel, gym and cinema, according to BBC News.
Military experts said the new base will help Russia to control international shipping on the Northern Sea Route and protect the country’s oil and gas resources in the Arctic. Russia is building four more military bases in the Arctic region.
The Arkticheskiy Trilistnik or “Arctic Trefoil” base has been built on the Russian territory of Alexandra Land, an island in the Franz Josef Land Archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
The 14,000 sqm base is built on stilts, which are designed to help it withstand extreme cold weather that can reach as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.
The base will house 150 personnel on a 18-month period of duty. The main components of the base remain top-secret but the Russian military said the facility is equipped with a clinic, library, chapel, gym and cinema, according to BBC News.
Military experts said the new base will help Russia to control international shipping on the Northern Sea Route and protect the country’s oil and gas resources in the Arctic. Russia is building four more military bases in the Arctic region.