Russian troops in the country’s far north and the Arctic to receive new 9K331MDT Tor-M2DT air defence system on DT-30PM transporter chassis in 2018, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

According to the website of the Russian Defense Ministry, this year, the troops operating in the Russian Far North and the Arctic will receive the Tor-M2DT short-range anti-aircraft missile system.

Russia is strengthening its military capabilities in the Arctic as it has stepped up efforts to exploit resources in the region and explore a polar shipping route.

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The Tor-M2DT autonomous short-range anti-aircraft missile system adapted to severe climatic conditions is intended to operate at extremely low temperature and difficult terrain.

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The Tor-M2DT air defence system can destroy air targets as aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, guided aerial missiles and bombs, unmanned air vehicles (UAV) flying at medium, low and extremely low altitudes in the heavy air and electronic countermeasures environment at a maximum range of 12 km at altitudes from 10 m to 1,000 m.