The Defense Ministry is reopening its polar airfields as part of infrastructure development plans in the Arctic, Interfax has quoted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying.

"The restoration of our polar airfields is our contribution to the development of the Arctic transport and tourist infrastructure," General of the Army Shoigu said at a ministry board meeting.

He said new military settlements would be built on Franz Josef Land and the New Siberian Islands in 2017.

"This year we'll complete the creation of unique closed-cycle military townships based on modern technology on Franz Josef Land Archipelago and the New Siberian Islands," the minister said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Fleet continues working to clean up the environment on Arctic islands. "Last year we removed over 1,600 metric tons of waste from Kotelny Island. This program will continue for the next two years," Shoigu added.