Canadian Army Launches Arctic Drills

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Canadian Armed Forces have started the NOREX 2015 military exercise aimed at advancing the servicemen's capabilities for Arctic operations, a statement on the official website of the government of Canada says.

According to the Friday press release, the drill will involve about 200 Canadian Army Regular and Reserve Force soldiers who will take part in "live fire exercises in isolated areas" under "harsh winter conditions."

"The ability for Canadian soldiers to operate so effectively in the Arctic is a testament to the world class skills they possess. Our Government is committed to maintaining operational capabilities in Canada's north, as we continue to monitor and respond to any activity or aggression that threatens our sovereignty," Canada's Associate Minister of National Defence, Julian Fantino, said as quoted by the statement.

The Canadian Armed Forces NOREX 2015 military exercise will run until March 30. Meanwhile Russia is wrapping up its large-scale Northern Fleet drills, intended to test Russia's defense capability in the Arctic, on Saturday, March 21.

The Arctic region has long been the subject of international attention for its national resources and shipping potential, with ice loss enabling further exploration of petroleum reserves and opening new and shorter shipping routes.

The five Arctic coastal states, namely Russia, Canada, Norway, the United States through Alaska and Denmark through Greenland, are limited to their exclusive economic zones of 200 nautical miles.

Russia's revised military doctrine, signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2014, for the first time ever named the protection of national interests in the Arctic among the main priorities for its armed forces in times of peace.