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Susoni

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What ARE the Russians up to? NATO fears grow over why 'research vessels' sent by Moscow have taken over mothballed secret Arctic base in mountain hideaway

Three Russian ships that docked in Olavsvern Naval Base for the entire winter

Base which was shut down in 2009 is nestled deep inside mountainous region

Norway's military fears Russian presence on 'strategically important' coastline

Concerns are growing over Russian ships that have docked in a once-secret naval base in the Arctic.

Military leaders in Norway are nervous about its powerful neighbour's presence on its 'strategically important' coastline following a spike in tensions between Russia and NATO nations.

Some experts have criticised the shutting down of Olavsvern Naval Base - a huge complex buried in mountainous terrain near the town of Tromsoe - which has been closed since 2009.

But fears have once again peaked after three Russian ships spent the entire winter docked deep within the mountain hideaway which was once a heavily guarded military facility.
Show of strength: Norway's military leaders are growing concerned after three Russian warships spent the winter docked inside a closed naval base (file photo) deep inside the country's mountainous terrain
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Show of strength: Norway's military leaders are growing concerned after three Russian warships spent the winter docked inside a closed naval base (file photo) deep inside the country's mountainous terrain
Aggression: In February, RAF planes intercepted two Russian bombers (file photo) which had flown into Irish territory and forced a passenger jet to divert its course
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Aggression: In February, RAF planes intercepted two Russian bombers (file photo) which had flown into Irish territory and forced a passenger jet to divert its course
Force: And late last year, the Russian navy anti-submarine ship Severomorsk (file photo) and three other Russian ships had to be escorted out of the British channel
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Force: And late last year, the Russian navy anti-submarine ship Severomorsk (file photo) and three other Russian ships had to be escorted out of the British channel
NATO fighter jets intercept Russian bombers (Related)

It was originally shut because the country's leaders thought the threat from Moscow was reduced, despite its massive Northern Fleet which is base in the nearby Kola Peninsula.

Norway's former vice admiral said shutting down the base was 'pure madness' while other critics say their submarines now have to travel hundreds of extra miles to protect the region.

This is far from the first time Russia has flexed its military muscles in other countries' territory.

In February, a passenger plane had to be diverted to avoid two Russian bombers that flew through Irish-controlled airspace without warning.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3025363/What-Russians-NATO-fears-grow-research-vessels-sent-Moscow-taken-mothballed-secret-Arctic-base-mountain-hideaway.html