PROTECTION BY NORTHERN FLEET OF THE ARCTIC COMMUNICATIONS DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR OF 1941-1945

During the Great Patriotic War, the protection of sea communications was one of the most important tasks of our Navy. Northern Fleet command devoted particular attention to solving this problem, which was the most important during some period of the war. Fleet command sought to use diverse forces and means for defending the Arctic communications: surface ships, aircraft, submarine, coastal and anti-aircraft artillery, mine warfare. However, Northern Fleet had limited powers at the outbreak of war, and was thus forced to operate with a higher intensity. The basic form of the use of force in the defense of the Arctic communications was systematic fleet action. This article is devoted to this experience. Refs 18.