ABSTRACT
During the Cold War, the Kola Peninsula was considered to be the most important military area in the Soviet Union. For its size, it was probably the most heavily armed territory in the world. Since the demise of the Soviet Union, the area has been beset with problems of pollution, radioactive contamination and unemployment. The reduction of the armed forces of Russia has had particularly serious economic and social consequences in this area. Nonetheless, there is evidence that key elements of the military structure remain operational and it is reasonable to conclude that the Kola Peninsula remains a vital military strongpoint for Russia. Despite having environmental, economic and social problems, the Kola Peninsula remains of vital strategic importance to the Russian Federation. Indeed, notwithstanding general reports of military run-down, there is evidence that key elements of the Northern Fleet have been sustained. The advantages of the region, particularly for the operation of ballistic-missile submarines, remain.
