Russia will deploy anti-aircraft missiles in the Arctic for the first time since the Cold War as Moscow builds up its military presence in the far north. S-400 missiles, which can shoot down planes and cruise missiles from up to 400 km will be stationed on the Arctic coast and islands by the end of 2020, the Izvestia newspaper reported. The installations are meant to protect the northern sea route to Asia, which Russia has been promoting as global warming melts Arctic sea ice faster each year. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new Arctic development strategy last week, saying the polar region was heating up four times faster than the rest of the world. Following last year’s Trident Juncture war games in Norway, NATO countries have continued to hold exercises in the Arctic with an eye on Russia.

Source: National Post April 17, 2019 05:37 UTC