Russia has dispatched a group of vessels to the Arctic with the aim of restoring a permanent naval base for the Northern Fleet.
Russian media say the detachment, including two amphibious assault ships and an anti-submarine vessel, set off from Severomorsk, near the Norwegian border, on September 6.
It is carrying personnel and equipment to a Soviet-era military base on the eastern New Siberian Islands.
Icebreakers will be used for some parts of the journey.
A year ago, 10 ships went to the New Siberian Islands to deliver the first equipment and supplies to rebuild the base, which was abandoned in 1993.
Russia is boosting its naval presence in the Arctic as other countries such as Canada and Norway seek to claim its rich natural resources.
