In 2018, the naval aviation of the Northern Fleet will continue patrolling the Arctic on a regular basis. Reported by Russian Ministry of Defence.

In the course of 2017, more than 70 air patrols with aircrafts Tu-142 and Il-38 were conducted over Arctic waters, the press services of the Northern Fleet informs. This year, the patrols will be continued and the geographical scope «significantly expanded».

«It is expected that the Navy pilots of the Northern Fleet in 2018 will significantly expand the geography of the Arctic flights, including with the use of the polar airfield of Temp in the New Siberian Islands», a press release reads.

The pilots and air crews are being carefully trained in manoeuvring in difficult Arctic weather. The involved aircrafts help monitor ice conditions and provide more secure shipping for vessels in the area, the Navy says.