UK To Increase Military Contingent In Norway

• 11.02.2026, 23:17

To contain Putin.

The UK will double the number of its troops in Norway in response to Russia's growing military presence in the Arctic. The announcement was made by Defense Secretary John Healey during a visit to the Royal Marines at Camp Viking in northern Norway, writes Independent (translated by Charter97.org).

The contingent will be increased from the current 1,000 to 2,000 troops over three years. In addition, London confirmed the participation of British armed forces in NATO's new Arctic Sentry mission, aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as well as responding to concerns outlined by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland.

Healy emphasized that Russia now poses "the most serious threat to Arctic and High North security since the Cold War," pointing out that Moscow is actively rebuilding old military bases and increasing its presence in the region.

In March, some 1,500 British commandos will arrive in Norway to take part in a major NATO Cold Response exercise. And in September, the region will host large-scale maneuvers of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force - involving aviation, navy and ground units - to practice protecting critical infrastructure from attack and sabotage.

The risks of Russian subversion have also been emphasized by former British Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter. In his report, he said that Russia and its intelligence services are "waging a campaign of sabotage and subversion across Europe" and that NATO must be prepared to repel such operations.

Carter called on European states to strengthen military capabilities and continue to support Ukraine, stressing that the current geopolitical situation requires Europe to be able to act quickly collectively and defend itself.