Tiksi, in the Russian Arctic - the Kremlin is installing advanced air defence missiles at the port as it asserts its claim to billions of tonnes of oil and gas

Russia has stepped up its military presence in the Arctic, opening new permanent bases and deploying its most advanced anti-aircraft missiles to the region as it asserts its claim to billions of tonnes of oil and gas in disputed waters.

The armed forces are putting the finishing touches to six new bases designed to rebuff foreign intruders who endanger its economic interests. They include the Arctic Trefoil, a sprawling complex with three wings on the Russian island of Alexandra Land, where a contingent of 150 soldiers will see in the new year.

Russia is vying with Canada, Denmark and other states for control of potentially vast supplies of hydrocarbons under the Arctic Ocean that are in international waters.

Earlier this month, Russia’s defence ministry announced