The United Kingdom will double the number of soldiers deployed in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over a three-year period. The announcement was made by Defence Minister John Healey during a visit to Northern Norway and is justified by the changing security situation in the Arctic.
According to a press release from the British Ministry of Defence, the announcement was made in conjunction with John Healey's visit to British Royal Marines at Camp Viking, north of the Arctic Circle. The reinforcement is part of a broader initiative to address Russian threats in the region.
– The United Kingdom is stepping up to protect the Arctic and the High North by doubling the number of troops in Norway and scaling up joint exercises with NATO allies, says John Healey.
He states that Russia poses the greatest threat to security in the region since the Cold War and points out that the country is rapidly re-establishing a military presence, including the reopening of old bases.
The announcement coincides with the planning for extensive activities within the UK-led rapid response force Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). In September 2026, the exercise "Lion Protector" will be conducted, where air, land, and naval forces will train in the High North. The focus is on protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing joint command capabilities.
The United Kingdom also confirms its participation in NATO's mission Arctic Sentry, with detailed planning currently underway. In March, 1,500 soldiers from the British Royal Marines will participate in the NATO exercise Cold Response, conducted across Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
The increased presence follows the so-called Lunna House agreement signed with Norway in December, which the Nordic Defence Sector previously reported on. The cooperation includes, among other things, the joint operation of Type 26 frigates, intended for anti-submarine warfare, as well as the pre-positioning of British materiel in Norway.