Norway Hosts UK Marines for Extreme Weather Training to Counter Russia’s Arctic Military Build-Up

In response to Russia’s growing military presence in the Arctic, the UK and Norway are intensifying their defense strategies in the region. The UK’s Royal Marines are undergoing extreme weather training at Camp Viking in northern Norway, a new facility opened in 2023 to bolster NATO’s defense readiness on the eastern flank, Politico reported on January 16.

The UK has effectively doubled the number of its Royal Marines in Norway over three years, with personnel expected to reach 2,000 by next year.

This training mirrors the operations the UK forces would conduct if NATO’s Article 5 defense pact was triggered, Politico wrote.

As tensions rise, NATO has emphasized the importance of a united defense strategy, especially in light of Russia’s proximity in the Arctic. Brigadier Jaimie Norman, commander of the UK Commando Forces, stressed the change from peace to conflict, signaling that NATO must prepare for all scenarios.

Despite growing concern about Russia’s nuclear capabilities on the Kola Peninsula, both UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide underscored the need for comprehensive Arctic security, according to Politico.

Read more

Category

Latest news

15,000–30,000 Troops, US Backing, Binding Guarantees: Allies Redraw Ukraine’s Security Future

Jan 06, 2026 16:42

In parallel, NATO allies face an additional challenge, as US President Donald Trump has sparked tensions by advocating for the acquisition of Greenland. Cooper has insisted that the security of both Arctic hemispheres is interlinked, warning against dividing Arctic defense efforts, Politico reported.

Cooper has emphasized that any security challenges in Greenland should be addressed within the NATO framework, particularly given Russia’s Northern Fleet’s potential transatlantic threat.

Previously, it was reported that NATO was preparing to hold its large-scale Steadfast Dart-2026 military exercises, focused on testing the rapid movement and deployment of the Alliance’s Reaction Forces. The main phases of the drills will take place in Germany, Turkey, Italy, and Spain.

According to the Germany’s Bundeswehr, the exercises will run from January to March 2026 and involve around 10,000 troops from Italy, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, with additional support from France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

Help Ukrainian Units Hold the Drone Line

Download APP