Great Britain is doubling its military presence in Norway in response to increased Russian military activity in the Arctic, British Defence Secretary John Healey announced Wednesday.
According to a statement from the London Ministry of Defence, Healey reached an agreement with the Norwegian government to increase the number of British military personnel stationed in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years.
The move comes as concerns grow over Russia’s willingness to challenge the existing security architecture in the region. The development underscores growing regional tensions and a renewed focus on defense in the High North.
British armed forces will also participate in “Arctic Sentry,” a NATO operation currently undergoing detailed military planning within the alliance.
“The level of threat we are seeing from Russia in the Arctic is the highest it has been since the Cold War,” Healey said in a statement Wednesday.
Healey explained that Moscow is rapidly increasing its military presence in the region, including reopening former Soviet-era military bases. This resurgence of activity is prompting a reassessment of defense strategies among NATO members.
The British Ministry of Defence stated that British armed forces will take a leading role in two major Arctic exercises this year.
In May, approximately 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos will deploy to Norway for “Cold Response,” a NATO exercise that will also include participation from Finland, and Sweden. The primary objective of the exercise is to strengthen the defense of strategically important locations in fjords and mountainous terrain.
The exercise will extend to Finland and Sweden, focusing on bolstering defenses in key areas like fjords and mountainous regions.
