On Monday of this week, one of the top naval officers in Russia announced that it may use submarines in the future to help protect what it sees as its rightful part of the Arctic.

The RIA Novosti news agency was informed by Vice-Admiral Oleg Burtsev that Russia could use subs from its Northern Fleet to help with that country’s efforts to stake a claim in the Arctic region. 

According to Burtsev, who is the Russian Navy’s deputy chief of staff, it hasn’t been decided yet whether Russia will use its Navy submarines or robotic vehicles that work underwater.  Either way, one of the two will be assisting Russia in its claim on the Arctic shelf.

The Russian subs have previous experience maneuvering under the polar ice, as some of their combat training involves working under the Arctic ice. So, if Russia decides to use the submarines, there will be little training needed.

“In any case, Northern Fleet submarines will be used to either explore or protect Arctic territories adjacent to Russia,” Burtsev said in his Monday statement.

In 2007, Russia boldly descended two civilian manned mini-submarines to the Arctic seabed, where they not only collected samples of the water and geological items, but also left behind a titanium canister which held the Russian flag.

This latest announcement by Russia concerning its claim of a part of the Arctic will most likely annoy the other countries who also claim they own a rightful piece of the Arctic.  Canada, in particular, has been concerned over what they perceive to be Russia’s aggressiveness in the fight for the Arctic.

As the UN set deadline regarding the Arctic gets closer and the ice continues to melt, allowing for easier passage by ocean and easier access to the vast oil and gas reserves in the region, there is bound to be more conflict between the Arctic five.