UK Bolsters Military Presence in Norway Amid Rising Russian Threat
– The United Kingdom is significantly increasing its military presence in Norway, doubling the number of troops stationed there to 2,000 personnel, in response to what officials describe as a growing threat from Russia. The move, announced on Wednesday, is part of a broader effort to bolster security in the Arctic and High North regions.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the increase, phased in over the next three years, is a direct response to Moscow’s “rapidly re-establishing military presence in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases.” He emphasized that Russia poses the “greatest threat to Arctic and High North security that we have seen since the Cold War.”
The decision comes as European nations are increasingly focused on strengthening their defenses following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, which has led to increased Kremlin aggression across the continent. According to Healey, “Demands on defence are rising.”
The expanded British presence will contribute to NATO’s newly proposed “Arctic Sentry” mission, modeled after existing security initiatives like Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry. This mission aims to enhance surveillance and security throughout the Arctic region.
The announcement follows recent tensions between European allies and the United States regarding Greenland. Previously, US President Donald Trump had threatened action regarding Greenland, citing alleged threats from Russia and China, though he later appeared to retract those plans.
Approximately 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos are scheduled to participate in NATO’s Exercise Cold Response in March, further demonstrating the UK’s commitment to Arctic security.
The UK and Norway signed a new defence pact in December 2025, committing their navies to jointly operate a warship fleet designed to “hunt Russian submarines” in the North Atlantic. This agreement aims to protect critical undersea infrastructure, such as communications cables, which Western officials believe are increasingly vulnerable to Russian interference.
Diplomats confirmed over the weekend that Washington will transfer leadership of its Norfolk command, which focuses on the alliance’s northern flank, to Britain. This shift reflects a broader effort to encourage allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense.
The increased military activity comes amid growing concerns about Russian influence operations targeting independence movements in Greenland and Scotland, as part of a wider strategy to undermine NATO’s strategic position in the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. These operations are characterized by their adaptability and deniability, making them difficult to detect and counter.
The Arctic region, once described as a “zone of peace” by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, is now facing renewed strategic competition. While challenges like climate change and the harsh Arctic environment have historically fostered cooperation, the increasing military buildup and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the security landscape.
