Ask Onix
UK boosts military presence in Norway
British military personnel stationed in Norway will increase from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years, Defence Secretary John Healey announced as part of efforts to counter Russian threats in the Arctic region.
Growing concerns over Russian activity
The decision follows heightened worries among NATO allies regarding Russia's expanding military footprint in the Arctic. This includes the reactivation of former Cold War-era bases and a broader strategic presence in the area.
"Defence demands are escalating, and Russia represents the most significant threat to Arctic and High North security since the Cold War," Healey stated.
NATO discussions and new initiatives
Healey is set to join NATO counterparts in Brussels on Thursday to review the proposals. Among them is the Arctic Sentry plan, introduced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, which aims to strengthen surveillance and security in the region. The initiative mirrors existing NATO frameworks like the Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry.
Major military exercises planned
As part of the expanded deployment, 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos will participate in NATO's Exercise Cold Response in March. The large-scale drill, spanning Norway, Finland, and Sweden, will prepare allied forces for Arctic warfare under extreme conditions.
In September, the UK will lead the Joint Expeditionary Force in Exercise Lion Protector, involving air, land, and naval units from multiple European nations. The operation will focus on defending critical infrastructure-such as undersea cables and pipelines-from potential attacks or sabotage across Norway, Iceland, and the Danish straits.
Undersea threats and defence pacts
NATO allies have grown increasingly alarmed by Russia's activities targeting underwater infrastructure, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine. Last year, the UK and Norway signed a defence agreement to safeguard subsea cables, establishing a joint naval fleet to monitor Russian submarine movements.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported a 30% increase in Russian submarine activity in British waters over the past two years. According to the MoD, submarine operations in the North Atlantic have returned to Cold War-era levels.
