The Russian Ministry of Defense is moving forward with establishing a new combined armed force, a development reported by the daily newspaper News, which cites sources from the military department. The plan envisions a corps-based organization designed to project state power across the country’s northern frontier, extending its reach toward Finland and Norway. The initiative signals a shift toward a more integrated Arctic command structure, with plans to bring together motorized rifle brigades, regiments, and divisions under a unified command, and to train personnel for combat operations in the harsh Arctic environment.
Historically, the northwest sector of Russia fell under the jurisdiction of the Leningrad Military District before the large-scale reforms of the early 2010s. At that time, the area did not host an army or division-level formation; its composition consisted of separate brigades only. During the reform wave, LenVO was merged with the Moscow Military District, creating the Western Military District (ZVO). Meanwhile, units and formations operating in the Arctic coastlines remain typified by their association with the Northern Fleet rather than a standalone army command.
Military historian Dmitry Boltenkov notes that with Sweden and Finland in a neutral posture, there has traditionally been less need for large-force deployments in the Arctic. Still, the expert argues that strengthening the northwest is prudent given Finland’s accession to NATO and Sweden’s trajectory toward closer alignment with Western security structures. This perspective underscores a strategic logic behind expanding regional capabilities to deter potential contingencies in the Arctic.
Petr Kolchin, a political scientist and expert with the Club of Regions, observes that since the start of the special operation in Ukraine, the Northern Fleet has received a broader range of tasks. As NATO’s presence grows in Scandinavia and regional tensions rise, he says, the fleet must enhance border protection and readiness. The evolving security environment in the Arctic is pushing for more assertive measures to shield Russia’s northern approaches, including coordinated air, sea, and coastal defense efforts.
In a related development, Russia has recently introduced a new drone suppression system, expanding its counter-UAS capabilities to support Arctic operations and broader regional defense. This addition reflects ongoing modernization aimed at maintaining situational awareness, reducing vulnerabilities, and sustaining operational effectiveness across challenging conditions. The overall reform momentum suggests a strategic push to harmonize forces in the Arctic with Russia’s longer-term defense priorities across its northern borderlands.