Transfer of forces

Military units are taking up their positions in Russia's Arctic as a newly formed United Strategic Command gathers strength to protect national interests throughout the vast northern territory.

Russia is building bases across the icy landscape, reviving and constructing airfields and townships and delivering hardware and life-support systems for the troops.

In August, Russia's navy established a Pacific Fleet base on the Arctic Ocean's Wrangel Island, 140 kilometers off the coast of Chukotka peninsula. This advanced plans to build six active communities, assembling servicemen from divisions in western, central and southern Russia.

 Arctic troops arrive as Russia masses united northern command