Chapter IV: The Balance of Power in the Air

Abstract

A key component of Russia’s reinvigoration of its Arctic posture has been the construction of a network of air bases along Russia’s Arctic periphery. Russia has, over the last decade, refurbished 13 air bases in the region, and has constructed what effectively amount to new facilities in areas such as Kotelny. The Russian air force (VKS) and naval aviation deploy a range of airborne assets in the region, which will prove critical to surface control in the adjoining seas.