Kathrine Frich
Military activity in the Arctic has been steadily increasing as nations look to secure influence in the remote and resource-rich region.
With harsh conditions and limited infrastructure, operating effectively in the far north presents unique challenges.
This has also lead to Trump calling for extra enforcements on Greenland.
New system plans
According to documents obtained by UNITED24Media, Russia is working on a new military communications network designed specifically for Arctic conditions.
The project focuses on a mobile field system capable of supporting command, data transfer and coordination across vast, sparsely connected regions.
The system is intended to function where traditional infrastructure is limited or nonexistent, relying on adaptable and deployable components.
Mobile platforms
At the centre of the plan are DT-10PM tracked vehicles, originally designed for extreme northern terrain.
These two-part vehicles can move across snow, ice and swamp, allowing equipment to be transported and operated in remote areas.
Documents indicate that Russia intends to mount communications systems and command units directly onto these platforms.
This would allow rapid deployment of networks without relying on fixed infrastructure.
Network structure
The proposed system is designed as a modular network rather than a single централизованная structure.
According to internal materials, it would consist of interconnected nodes forming a flexible “cellular” field network.
Each unit could function independently while remaining linked to the wider system, improving resilience and adaptability.
The network would combine satellite links, radio relay systems and tropospheric communications to maintain connectivity.
Drone integration
A key feature of the system is its integration with unmanned aerial vehicles.
The documents state it will allow the “receipt and transmission of reconnaissance data obtained from UAVs.”
This suggests drones will be directly linked into command and control systems, enabling real-time data sharing.
The design also reflects lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly the growing role of UAVs and decentralized operations.
Cost and scope
Plans outlined in the documents estimate a need for 64 communication system sets.
The projected cost for these is around 59.6 billion rubles, roughly $600 million in early-stage funding.
The system could be deployed across Arctic military units, naval bases including the Northern Fleet, and other strategic facilities.
Sources: UNITED24Media
