The British government plans to double the number of troops it stations in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 within the next three years.
Prime Minister John Healey announced the move on Wednesday during a visit to the Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking on the Arctic Circle in northern Norway. According to Healey, the British forces will play a key role in NATO’s upcoming “Arctic Sentry” mission.
“The defence requirements are rising, and Russia poses the greatest threat to the security of the Arctic and the high North, a threat we have seen since the Cold War. We are watching how Putin is rapidly restoring a military presence in the region, including re‑opening old Cold‑War bases” Healey said. “The United Kingdom is strengthening its efforts to protect the Arctic and the high North by doubling the number of troops in Norway and expanding joint exercises with NATO allies”.
Under the “Cold Response” and “Lion Protector” exercises, which this year will be led by the United Kingdom, thousands of soldiers are set to be deployed across the Arctic and the North Atlantic. “We train together, deter together, and if necessary, we fight together” Healey added.
