There are plans to deploy fighter units on Arctic islands where the Russian military is currently installing new radar stations, Kirill Makarov, Deputy Aerospace Defense Force Commander for Air Defense, told Interfax.

"We are planning a lot for Russia's expanded Arctic potential in the Arctic. The Armed Forces are also involved in this process. We have already deployed new weapons systems, including Pantsir antiaircraft guns/surface-to-air missile systems, and new radar stations are being installed. Fighter units will arrive soon," General Makarov noted. bb

He said everything was being done to help Russia defend its interests along its national perimeter including the Arctic region.