The UK has announced a significant increase in its troop presence in Norway: over the next three years, the number of British troops stationed in the Arctic country will increase from approximately 1,000 to 2,000.
British Defence Secretary John Healey announced this during a visit to Camp Viking in northern Norway, home to Royal Marines units. Healey said the decision was made in response to “the most serious threat to Arctic and High North security since the Cold War,” posed by Russia.
“We see Putin rapidly re-establishing a military presence in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases,” Healey emphasized.
The increased force will be part of a broader NATO Arctic reinforcement strategy. The UK has confirmed that its armed forces will play a “key role” in the alliance’s Arctic Sentry mission, aimed at strengthening security in the high latitudes. Joint exercises with NATO allies are also planned to expand.
Camp Viking, which opened in 2023, has already become the primary hub for British Marines in the Arctic. The increased force will allow for more extensive training in the extreme conditions of the High North.
Experts note that the UK’s move also demonstrates the country’s commitment to remaining a leading European security player after Brexit, even as the US transfers some command functions in the alliance’s northern region to its European partners.
The first additional units are expected to begin arriving this year.