UK Doubles Troops in Norway to Counter Russian Arctic Push

Britain will double the number of its troops in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years. Defence Secretary John Healey made the announcement on Wednesday during a visit to Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking in the Norwegian Arctic. The move aims to strengthen defences in the High North against Russia's growing military presence under Vladimir Putin. Healey also committed UK forces to NATO's new Arctic Sentry mission, which focuses on improving security in the region.

Background

The Arctic and High North have become a key area of concern for NATO countries. Russia has reopened old Cold War-era bases and increased its military activity there. This includes more submarines, aircraft, and ground forces near vital sea routes and energy resources. Britain has long trained its Royal Marines in Norway's harsh winter conditions. Camp Viking in Troms, northern Norway, serves as a main base for these troops. It was set up in 2023 to support year-round operations.

Last December, the UK and Norway signed the Lunna House Agreement. This deal sets up joint operations of Type 26 warships designed to hunt submarines. It also calls for more joint training in the Arctic and storing UK equipment in Norway for quick use in a crisis. Royal Marines, experts in cold weather and mountain fighting, have taken part in exercises there for years. Now, they will operate year-round, not just in winter.

In January, UK Commando Force units returned to northern Norway for joint work with Norwegian and Dutch marines. They prepared for larger drills to defend NATO's northern edge. These steps come as Europe deals with Russia's war in Ukraine and sabotage attempts across the continent. Former UK armed forces head General Sir Nick Carter recently warned about Russian intelligence operations, including airspace incursions.

Key Details

Healey spoke to troops at Camp Viking, a base inside the Arctic Circle. He said the UK will join NATO allies in Brussels on Thursday to plan the Arctic Sentry mission. This NATO effort responds to security gaps, including issues raised by US President Donald Trump about Greenland.

Troop numbers will grow steadily to 2,000 by 2029. In March, 1,500 UK commandos head to Norway for Exercise Cold Response. This is NATO's biggest drill in the country for 2026. It will test defences across fjords and mountains.

Upcoming Exercises

Later this year, in September, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force runs Exercise Lion Protector. Air, land, and sea units from several nations will train to guard key sites from attacks and sabotage. The force includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. These drills aim to protect undersea cables, pipelines, and other infrastructure vital to Europe.

“Demands on defence are rising, and Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic and High North security that we have seen since the Cold War. We see Putin rapidly re-establishing military presence in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases. The UK is stepping up to protect the Arctic and High North – doubling the number of troops we have in Norway and scaling up joint exercises with Nato allies.” – Defence Secretary John Healey

Norway's Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik welcomed the closer ties. He noted that year-round UK presence means faster help in a crisis. Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, who leads a UK commando group, said his unit focuses on working closely with partners in the High North.

What This Means

The troop increase signals Britain's focus on the Arctic as a frontline against Russia. It matches the UK's Strategic Defence Review, which calls for better NATO deterrence in northern Europe. With Russia rebuilding forces after losses in Ukraine, NATO wants to show strength to prevent wider conflict.

More UK troops mean steady rotations in Norway. This builds skills for Arctic operations and speeds response times. Joint warship operations with Norway target Russian submarines that could threaten shipping lanes. Pre-positioned gear cuts deployment time from weeks to days.

For NATO, Arctic Sentry fills gaps in monitoring and response. Trump's comments on allies' spending and Greenland highlight US worries about the region. China has also shown interest in Arctic routes and resources, adding another layer.

Europe faces pressure to boost defences after years of low spending. Carter's recent paper for the Tony Blair Institute points to Russian GRU sabotage in Europe. He urges Europe to build military power and keep aiding Ukraine to deter Moscow.

These moves tie into broader NATO plans. Allies practice chasing nuclear-armed subs in Arctic waters. The High North holds melting ice opening new paths, but also risks from military buildup. Britain's steps aim to keep the area stable and secure shared interests.