Russia's glossy Arctic army base on guard for enemies and bears Beyond the Arctic circle, a futuristic complex with an equipped gym, hot water, and other amenities, serves the needs of Russia's Arctic troops, built in recent years following Moscow's strategic eye on the region. Built in record time on Kotelny island of the Franz Joseph Land archipelago, the romantically-named Northern Clover facility has the capacity for 250 troops, for whom a special white polar uniform has been developed.