From TASS:  A new Joint Strategic Command, dubbed North, on Monday [December 1] became operational in the Russian Arctic on the basis of the Northern Fleet. . . .

In late October, chief of the Russian National Defense Center, Lt. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev, said Russia plans to build 13 airfields, one aviation training ground and 10 technical radars and air guidance stations in the Arctic region.

The new command, which will be named as a fifth Russian military district, is aimed at protecting Russian interests in the Arctic region, and the Northern Fleet will become its main striking force.

From Moscow Times:  Russia’s Defense Ministry has completed its third Arctic military installation, as Moscow ramps up defenses on its northern border amid an international push for control of the resource-rich territory.

The modular building, located on Alexandra Land island . . .

Russia’s two other completed bases are on Wrangel Island and Cape Schmidt in the Chukchi Sea close to the U.S. state of Alaska.

Image: Northern Fleet personnel establishing military base on the island of Kotelny, Oct. 30, 2014 (photo: Russian Ministry of Defense)