The United Kingdom is increasing its military presence in Norway and bolstering its Arctic defenses amid growing concerns over Russian activity in the region.
In addition to increasing troop numbers, British military forces will play a key role in NATO’s Arctic Sentry force. Military planning is already underway, according to a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence.
The official announcement regarding the troop increase in Norway will come when British Defence Secretary John Healey visits British soldiers at Camp Viking in Northern Norway on Wednesday.
“The UK is stepping up the protection of the Arctic and the High North by doubling the number of soldiers we have in Norway, and increasing joint exercises with our NATO allies,” Healey said in the statement.
Healey also stated that Russia poses the biggest threat to the Arctic and High North seen since the Cold War.
“We are seeing Putin rapidly re-establishing a military presence in the region, including reopening old bases from the Cold War,” he said.
