Putin orders creation of Arctic weapons R&D centres

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to establish an Arctic Research Centre this year to develop and test weapons systems for use and operation in extremely low temperatures, Lieutenant General Igor Makushev, chairman of the Russian Armed Forces Military-Scientific Committee, announced on 29 May.

The move, at the request of Russian president Vladimir Putin, is meant to provide solutions to technical challenges and ensure troops can operate in Arctic conditions.

The centre will operate at three locations: Arkhangelsk on the White Sea; Priozersk, 180 km north of St Petersburg on the northwest shore of Lake Ladoga; and in St Petersburg itself.

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