Russia Ups Ante in Arctic Arms Race With Supersonic Missile Deployment

A P-800 Onyx supersonic anti-ship missile is fired in the Arctic, in video released on Sept. 26, 2018, by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Russian Ministry of Defense via Reuters

The Russian military has deployed anti-ship missiles in the Arctic, in a sign that—if necessary—the nuclear power intends to protect its claims in the resource-rich region by force.

A video released by the country’s defense ministry on Sept. 26, showed multiple launches of supersonic P-800 Onyx missiles, which are part of Russia’s Bastion coastal defense complex.