The UK is set to double its troop presence in Norway over the next three years, increasing from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel, to address rising concerns over Russian military activities in the Arctic. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that Russia represents the most significant threat to Arctic security since the Cold War, a view supported by recent actions such as the reopening of Cold War bases by Russia. This decision will be discussed at a NATO meeting in Brussels, while the UK prepares to lead joint exercises aimed at bolstering Arctic defence, including the Lion Protector operation designed to safeguard critical infrastructure against potential threats. The UK and Norway have also entered a defence pact focused on protecting undersea cables and pipelines, responding to a reported 30% increase in Russian submarine activities in UK waters in the past two years.
UK plans to double troop presence in Norway to 2,000 amid Russian Arctic threats
