---
title: "Finland-NATO tensions: Russia modernises Arctic defences"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/27505/finland-nato-tensions-russia-modernises-arctic-defences
published: 2023-12-27T06:27:09Z
language: en
author: "Ionela Golban"
section: "International"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Finland-NATO tensions: Russia modernises Arctic defences

> Russia's state defence conglomerate Rostec plans to bolster its Northern Military District bordering Finland and Norway with the deployment of its newly tested Coalition-SV self-propelled howitzers, reported News.ro.

Russia's state defence conglomerate Rostec plans to bolster its Northern Military District bordering Finland and Norway with the deployment of its newly tested Coalition-SV self-propelled howitzers, reported News.ro.

![iconic image](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/360f235d-d6cd-4eab-867a-5c7421aaed58.jpg)

*Sursa: iconic image*

This move comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding Finland's potential NATO accession.

**Modernising Arctic Defences:**

*"Testing of the Coalition-SV has been completed, and serial production is already underway,"* declared Rostec chief Sergei Chemezov. Highlighting the strategic rationale behind the deployment, he added: *"Artillery of this class is needed to provide an advantage over Western models in terms of range. I believe they will appear there (in the Northern Military District) soon."*

**Evolving Strategic Landscape:**

Established in 2021, the Northern Military District expanded the operational scope of the Russian Northern Fleet beyond the Arctic, encompassing the Murmansk region – a critical land border with Finland and Norway.

**Geopolitical Tensions Mount:**

Since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has accused Western nations of orchestrating a proxy war and vowed to strengthen its western borders in response to Finland's pursuit of NATO membership.

**Coalition-SV Capabilities:**

Boasting a range of up to 70 kilometres, these howitzers feature a modern 2A88 gun (152 mm calibre) with a firing rate exceeding 10 rounds per minute. They also integrate an automated system for targeting, navigation, and weapon designation, reported TASS.

**Deployment Timeline Unclear:**

While Chemezov mentioned a late 2023 delivery date for the first batch, the precise time frame for deployment in the Northern Military District remains undisclosed.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**