UK to boost defence of Arctic and High North

The defence secretary has announced a boost to Arctic and High North security to counter rising Russian threats.

During a visit to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking in the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, John Healy confirmed that the number of British troops deployed to Norway will double over three years from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel.

The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has confirmed major military activity in the High North this year. In September, Exercise Lion Protector will see air, land, and naval forces from JEF nations train to protect critical national infrastructure from attacks and sabotage and enhance their joint command and control capabilities. Hundreds of personnel are set to deploy across Iceland, the Danish Straits and Norway, as JEF steps up to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic, High North, and North Atlantic.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "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.

"Cold Response and Lion Protector will this year see thousands of troops deploy across the Arctic and North Atlantic – with the UK leading the way. We train together, we deter together, and if necessary, we will fight together."