Russia begins tests of latest technology military equipment for Arctic
© RIA Novosti. Maksim Blinov

Russia begins tests of latest technology military equipment for Arctic

Russian military have started trials of prospective military equipment to be used in the Arctic. As a result of the tests, the military commandment will decide whether to supply the Armed Forces with the machinery. The news was announced by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a teleconference.

"On February 19, the Main Directorate for Military Vehicles and industry representatives launched tests of latest and promising samples of military equipment that will operate in tough climatic conditions of the Extreme North," RIA Novosti cites the Defense Minister as saying.

The minister explained that one of the primary objectives for conducting the tests on all-terrain vehicles is to try the equipment in harsh conditions such as force winds of over 35 m/s and in temperatures of up to minus 60 degrees Celsius. The tests involve movable truck containers, rapid deployment shelter systems for the personnel in charge of truck maintenance; medical equipment; and Arctic uniforms developed for the Armed Forces.

"At the end of the campaign, we will decide on whether to supply the equipment to the Arctic units of the Armed Forces," Shoigu stressed.

Within the 30 days of the expedition, the members will cover more than 2,000 km from the village of Tiksi to Kotelny Island and back across the frozen Laptev Sea, straits between the islands and the coastal areas.