MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia's Northern Fleet and the Airborne Troops have kicked off the active phase of their joint Arctic drill, a spokesman for the fleet said Thursday.
"This morning, an inter-service group of the Northern Fleet and the Airborne Troops begun the main stage of the tactical exercise, combat operations on defending an important industrial facility," Capt. 1st Rank Vadim Serga said.
Defense training will take place in a complex of technical buildings belonging to the Russian nickel and palladium mining and smelting company Norilsk Nickel, on the outskirts of the world's northernmost city of Norilsk, according to the spokesman.
The Arctic Drill began on Monday and will coordinate military services as they evaluate personnel and equipment operational readiness on Arctic terrain.
