In 2016, Russia plans to develop an experimental model of a two-section armored personnel carrier called Arktika [Arctic], Vyacheslav Khalitov, deputy general director for special equipment at Uralvagonzavod, told Rossiya Segodnya.

"We have been working on this project for several years, with our own resources. Not only the Defense Ministry but also agencies operating in the Arctic are definitely interested in it. A prototype has been created, and we are ready to go ahead with the next stage, that is, the creation and field trials of an experimental model. We plan to do this next year," he said.