Mechanisms of state implementation of the Arctic zone under the territorial and modern economic realities should ensure the protection of national interests. The whole series of state documents have been adopted and strengthened during the latest decade in the Russian Federation. These documents define the directions and prospects for the strategic development of the Arctic zone. “Social and economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation” program adopted in 2017 indicates the majority objects, which include improving the life quality level, protection of the population, creating conditions for the Northern Sea Route as the current national transport system, the hydrometeorology peculiarities development for ensuring navigation, improving the resource base of the Arctic zone and in the Arctic continental shelf of the Russian Federation as well as increasing the efficiency of Arctic social and economic development. Based on the current historical situation the conclusion that Arctic potential