The Battle For The Arctic: Russia Deploys Hypersonic Missile Fighters

"You Should Not Get Closer To Our Borders" - Russia Deploys Hypersonic Missile Fighters To Arctic

Russia has deployed hypersonic missile fighters along the Arctic and Pacific coasts to protect its maritime borders, reported Izvestia.

Mikoyan MiG-31 supersonic interceptor jets have been outfitted with the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ("Dagger"), a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile, and deployed to the Kola Peninsula and Kamchatka regions of the country, a powerful move that will send shockwaves through Washington as Russia is now prepared to take control of the Arctic. 

The air-launched hypersonic missile is one of the most advanced weapons in the world, even sophisticated air defense systems have difficulty defending against its Mach 10 to Mach 12 speed. 

The range of the missile is about 1,200 miles and could extend Russia's air defense capabilities not just throughout the Arctic region, but also could challenge the US in the Pacific.Russian ASF MiG-31 aircraft crew conducted combat training launch of a hypersonic missile of #Kinzhalhigh-precision aviation missile system in the assigned area. Launch was conducted normally. The missile hit the target at a training ground. pic.twitter.com/u8jkUw27O9

— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) March 10, 2018

With the deployment of the hypersonic missile fighters, one fleet in the Arctic and another in the Pacific, Russia will be able to deploy a rapid response countermeasure or even defensive maneuver across the Arctic and the North Pacific. 

Test pilot Colonel Igor Malikov told Izvestia that "It must be clearly stated: you should not get closer to our borders and make aggressive plans...the MiG-31 with the "Dagger" is a defensive weapon. 

In the event of an attack on Russia, it can hit the airbases from which enemy planes take off in the direction of our territories, as well as ships and marine infrastructure." 

As we've explained before, the Arctic is becoming a highly contested region for control between the US, Russia, and China. That's because more than $35 trillion worth of natural resources could be hiding underneath the ocean floor. 

"Now, there are several points of intersection of the interests of a number of powers," Malikov told Izvestia. "There were questions - who will develop minerals on the ocean shelves. Moreover, not only the countries of the region, but also the USA participate in these discussions. And MiG regiments with Daggers are going to be placed at key points in the region."

The battle for the Arctic has already begun -- Russia could be in the lead to take control of the Arctic considering its latest deployment of military hardware to the region.