Defence Secretary reveals new Defence Arctic Strategy

Land October 3, 2018

Royal Navy submarine breaks through Arctic ice for major exercise

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced a new Defence Arctic Strategy, which recognises the growing opportunities and threats.

The strategy will look to enhance the Ministry of Defence’s focus on the Arctic, underlined by our current commitments in the region and future deployments.

The change in the natural environment in the Arctic and High North is driving a change in the security environment and, as the region becomes more accessible, there has been an increase in military activity. The new Defence Arctic Strategy will put the Arctic and the High North central to the security of the United Kingdom.

Currently, the Royal Marines conduct cold weather training in Norway on an annual basis, with around 800 due to deploy in 2019. As part of the new Arctic strategy, the Marines training will become joint with Norway on a long-term basis and integrated into Norway’s defence plan, providing UK troops a unique opportunity to train alongside a key ally.

The strategy will also complement the UK’s NATO commitments and in 2019, four RAF Typhoons will for the first time patrol Icelandic skies. This will allow the UK to work closely with allies to deter aerial threats to Euro Atlantic security. The mission will also provide the RAF with unique opportunities to test its skills in different environments.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “As the ice melts and new shipping routes emerge, the significance of the High North and Arctic region increases.

“Russia, with more submarines operating under the ice and ambitions to build over 100 facilities in the Arctic, are staking a claim and militarising the region. We must be ready to deal with all threats as they emerge.”