Russia could deploy airships to protect and monitor its oil installations across the Arctic, it has emerged.
The country’s military-industrial commission has recommended deploying airships on installations in the Barents Sea in a bid to provide extra monitoring and security, according to reports from the country.
The move comes after Greenpeace activists attempted to board Gazprom’s Prirazlomnaya rig last September.
The airships, which could be deployed by 2016, would be equipped with thermal imaging and video cameras, radio locators and lasers, and based on technology already used by the country’s state-owned DKBA group.
Greenpeace’s attempt to board the rig last year resulted in the 30 crewmembers being charged with piracy and their boat stormed by Russian special forces.
They were eventually released after weeks in custody following a change in the amnesty laws in Russia.