The United Kingdom is significantly boosting its military footprint in Norway to address escalating Russian threats in the Arctic region, with Defence Secretary John Healey confirming that British troop numbers will double from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years.
During a visit to Camp Viking in northern Norway, Healey outlined the increased deployment as part of broader efforts to strengthen NATO’s presence in the High North. He emphasized that Russia poses the greatest security challenge to the Arctic since the Cold War, citing Moscow’s reopening of old bases and enhanced military activities. The expansion aligns with NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, which aims to bolster surveillance and deterrence in the region. Healey will discuss the proposals with fellow defence ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, underscoring the alliance’s collective response to Russian aggression.
Key military exercises are set to reinforce this commitment. In March, 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos will participate in NATO’s Exercise Cold Response, a large-scale drill across Norway, Finland, and Sweden designed to train forces in extreme Arctic conditions. Further, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) will conduct Exercise Lion Protector in September 2026. This operation will involve air, land, and naval forces from several European nations, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure from attacks and sabotage in areas like Iceland and the Danish Straits.
The heightened focus on the Arctic stems from growing concerns over Russian submarine activity, which has increased by 30% in UK waters over the past two years, according to the Ministry of Defence. This resurgence mirrors Cold War-era levels, prompting urgent defensive measures. Last year, the UK and Norway signed the Lunna House Agreement, which includes joint operations of submarine-hunting warships and expanded Arctic training. This partnership is part of a strategy to safeguard undersea cables and pipelines, vital for global communications and energy supplies.
The UK’s defence spending is also rising, with plans to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2027, the largest sustained increase since the Cold War. This investment supports the nation’s role in NATO and its ability to counter threats in northern Europe. As tensions persist following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s stepped-up presence in Norway signals a long-term commitment to regional security. Healey affirmed that allied forces will train, deter, and if necessary, fight together to uphold stability in the Arctic and High North.
