UK to double number of troops in Norway in response to Putin’s Arctic threat
UK steps up troops in Norway to deter Putin
- Britain is set to double its troop presence in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years to bolster High North defences against Russia.
- Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic and High North security since the Cold War, citing Vladimir Putin's re-establishment of military presence.
- The UK will participate in Nato’s Arctic Sentry mission and deploy 1,500 commandos for Exercise Cold Response in March, with further UK-led exercises planned for September.
- General Sir Nick Carter, a former head of the armed forces, urged greater European cooperation to deter Russia and support Ukraine, highlighting the risk of Russian sabotage.
- Mr Healey will join Nato counterparts in Brussels to discuss these proposals, emphasising the UK's commitment to protecting the Arctic and scaling up joint exercises with allies.
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