UK Boosts Troops in Norway Amid Rising Russian Tensions

Wed Feb 11 2026 15:52:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a move to enhance security in the Arctic, the UK announces plans to double its military presence in Norway to counter increased Russian activities in the region.

The UK is set to increase its troop presence in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the rising threat from Russia, which has ramped up its military activity in the Arctic. This decision comes as part of a broader NATO strategy to bolster defenses and gather intelligence in the area amidst heightened tensions following the invasion of Ukraine.

The number of British troops in Norway will double over the next three years as part of efforts to combat Russian threats in the High North.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the number of armed forces personnel stationed in the Arctic nation would rise from around 1,000 to 2,000.

The commitment follows increasing concern among Nato allies about Russia's activities in the Arctic, including the reopening of old Cold War bases and a growing military presence in the region.

Demands on defence are rising and Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic and High North security that we have seen since the Cold War, Healey remarked.

The defence secretary will join Nato counterparts at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels to discuss further strategies. One of the proposals includes the Arctic Sentry initiative, aimed at enhancing surveillance and security—a model based on existing initiatives like Baltic Sentry.

As part of the expanded presence, 1,500 Royal Marine Commandos will participate in Nato's Exercise Cold Response, designed to prepare allied forces for operations in extreme Arctic conditions.

In light of the rising tensions, including a notable 30% increase in Russian submarine activity in UK waters, this increase in military presence underscores the urgency for enhanced Arctic security.