Russia Unveils New Arctic Military Base

Russia has unveiled its new Arctic Trefoil military base through an online virtual tour.

The 14,000 square metre base in Franz Josef Land is now Russia's most northern permanent installation. 

Temperatures can dip below minus 40 degrees centigrade, so the base is built on stilts to withstand the extreme cold and soldiers can travel between buildings without going outside. 

Trefoil is self-sufficient and can house 150 personnel for 18 months.

It is Russia's second Arctic base and four more are planned as part of its attempt to strengthen military command in its northernmost territories.

Photos courtesy of the Russian Ministry of Defence.