The United Kingdom will deploy a fleet of warships and fighter jets to the Arctic, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Saturday, . The move, revealed at the Munich Security Conference, will see the UK operate alongside the United States, Canada and other NATO allies in a demonstration of commitment to security in the High North.
Starmer’s announcement comes amid heightened geopolitical interest in the Arctic region, and follows previous threats by former US President Donald Trump to annex Greenland. The UK Prime Minister framed the deployment as a response to evolving security concerns and a bolstering of defenses against potential aggression from Russia and China, according to reports from the conference.
The deployment will be led by HMS Prince of Wales, the UK’s largest warship, which will serve as the NATO command ship. The carrier strike group will include F-35B Lightning jets, and will operate in the North Atlantic and the High North throughout the year. More than 2,000 sailors are involved in the operation, alongside eight warships and submarines, according to recent naval deployments.
This represents not the first time the Royal Navy has focused on Arctic defense. In April 2022, the Navy completed its largest defense exercise in the Arctic since the Cold War, known as Operation Cold Response. That exercise involved over 3,000 British sailors and Royal Marines, and a total of 27,000 personnel from 27 countries, operating in temperatures as low as -30C. Operation Cold Response, led by Norway, aims to acclimatize allied forces to operate in challenging Arctic conditions. Exercises planned for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starmer used his address at the Munich Security Conference to directly address Trump’s recent questioning of NATO’s collective defense commitments. Be in no doubt, if called on, the UK would come to your aid today,
he stated, according to reports. This statement appears to be a direct attempt to reassure the US administration and counter narratives that question the strength of the transatlantic alliance.
The Prime Minister also warned of the potential for conflict with Russia, stating that Europe must be prepared to fight
if necessary. This assessment reflects the ongoing concerns surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is approaching its fourth anniversary later this month.
The decision to increase the UK’s military presence in the Arctic also reflects a broader shift in geopolitical focus towards the region. The melting of Arctic ice is opening up new shipping routes and access to natural resources, increasing the strategic importance of the High North. This has led to increased military activity from Russia and China, prompting NATO allies to strengthen their defenses in the area.
Starmer also emphasized the UK’s commitment to closer defense ties with the European Union, stating that we are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore.
This suggests a willingness to move beyond the divisions of the past and forge stronger security partnerships with European allies. He acknowledged the urgency
of closer collaboration.
The announcement follows a period of heightened discussion regarding Greenland’s strategic importance. A recent summit at the White House focused on the future of the Arctic, highlighting the growing international attention on the region. Trump’s previous suggestion of annexing Greenland, a territory of Denmark, prompted strong reactions from European nations and underscored the sensitivity surrounding the region’s geopolitical status.
The UK’s deployment is intended to demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding Europe’s northern flank and deterring potential adversaries. The operation will involve close coordination with the US, Canada, and other NATO allies, reinforcing the alliance’s collective defense capabilities in the Arctic.
The Royal Navy’s experience in Arctic operations, demonstrated by exercises like Operation Cold Response, will be crucial to the success of the deployment. The ability to operate effectively in extreme conditions and maintain a sustained presence in the region will be key to ensuring the security of the High North.
