The exploration of the Arctic and safeguarding Russian interests in the region will be the Northern Fleet's priorities in 2016, Northern Fleet Commander Admiral Vladimir Korolyov said in his New Year's message to the fleet's sailors, as reported by RIA Novosti news agency. The commander's message was sent to the fleet's coastal units and Northern Fleet ships, including those at sea.

"The Northern Fleet will continue performing its long-distance missions by ship and submarine. One of the key priorities of the Northern Fleet is the exploration of the Arctic and safeguarding the nation's interests in this strategic region," Admiral Korolyov said.

The admiral explained that 2015 was a pioneer year in the history of the Northern Fleet as the first ever tactical drill on defending an important industrial facility on the Taymyr peninsula and live fire exercises by the Arctic Brigade on Kotelnichy Island were held. The new-generation Vladimir Monomakh strategic ballistic missile submarine fired a salvo of Bulava missiles from the White Sea. The Yury Dolgoruky ballistic missile submarine completed its first long-distance voyage under the Arctic ice.