February 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM
UK steps up defence of Arctic and High North from rising Russian threats
During a visit to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking in the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, the Defence Secretary will today confirm that the number of British troops deployed to Norway will double over three...
British troops deployed to Norway to double over three years from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel. Defence Secretary confirms UK Armed Forces will play vital part in NATO Arctic Sentry mission, with military planning underway. Major Joint Expeditionary Force exercise, ‘Lion Protector’, will see air, land, and naval forces deploy across High North in 2026.
Arctic and High North security will be strengthened against rising Russian threats as Britain steps up its presence in the region. During a visit to meet Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking in the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, the Defence Secretary will today (Wednesday 11 February) confirm that the number of British troops deployed to Norway will double over three years from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel. It comes as the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) confirms major military activity in the High North this year.