Russia's Federal Agency for Special Construction (Spetsstroy) has started building a landing strip at a Defense Ministry airfield under construction on the Franz Josef Land Archipelago, RIA Novosti has reported, citing the agency's press service.

"The project to build an airfield on Franz Josef Land in the Arctic Ocean has entered an active phase. This unique project is being implemented by the agency's Second Main Engineering Department. It includes the construction of the landing strip and airfield service facilities," the press release says.

The agency has dispatched 729 construction workers and 159 vehicles to the area.