The development of the Northern Sea Route and the icebreaker fleet, the expansion of the satellite constellation and the development of Arctic cities will be the main topic of the upcoming International Arctic Forum (IAF) in 2025.
"We see the IAF as a platform for discussing the development of the Russian Arctic, the regional economies, and not as a platform for discussing global Arctic challenges. One of the most important topics is the Northern Sea Route, this is our national priority, a strategic transport corridor," TASS quotes Alexey Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, as saying.
"We will definitely discuss the northern delivery and the model for further scaling and strengthening the icebreaker fleet. The modernization of Arctic cities and how to build life in these cities, create maximum comfort for people, develop mobile and telemedicine, and air ambulances," he added.
In addition, one of the key issues will be the expansion of the satellite constellation, which will allow weather forecasting, ice assessment and route planning for each individual vessel and icebreaker. Of the 12 satellites required for this task, only 4 have been launched into orbit.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
