The UK has announced that it will double the number of British troops deployed to Norway over the next three years, increasing its presence from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel, with the Defense Secretary John Healey confirming the move during a visit to Royal Marine Commandos at Camp Viking inside the Arctic Circle.
The announcement follows the historic Lunna House Agreement with Norway, signed in December, which will see the UK and Norway jointly operate a fleet of submarine-hunting Type 26 warships, expand joint Arctic training, and pre-position British military equipment in Norway to be better prepared for future crises.
The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) plans major military activity in the High North this year. Taking place in September 2026, Exercise Lion Protector will see air, land, and naval forces from JEF nations train to protect national infrastructure from attacks and sabotage and enhance their joint command and control capabilities.
Hundreds of personnel will deploy across Iceland, the Danish Straits, and Norway, as JEF steps up to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic, High North, and North Atlantic.
UK Armed Forces will also play their part in NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, with detailed military planning at NATO underway. Healey will join Defense Ministers at NATO HQ on Thursday in Brussels to discuss the proposals.
“The UK is stepping up to protect the Arctic and High North – doubling the number of troops we have in Norway and scaling up joint exercises with NATO allies,” Defense Secretary John Healey MP said.
“Cold Response and Lion Protector will this year see thousands of troops deploy across the Arctic and North Atlantic – with the UK leading the way. We train together, we deter together, and if necessary, we will fight together.”
The Defense Secretary also stated that demands on defense are increasing and described Russia as the most significant threat to Arctic and High North security since the Cold War, noting that Moscow has been rapidly re-establishing its military presence in the region, including reopening former Cold War bases.
1,500 Royal Marine Commandos are deploying to Norway for NATO’s Exercise Cold Response, taking place in March.
The major military exercise across Norway, Finland, and Sweden will enhance the allied ability to defend strategically important locations across fjords and mountains, according to the officials.