Britain to double number of troops in Norway

Britain will double the number of its troops in Norway as part of efforts to strengthen its defense against the growing threat from Russia in the Arctic. Defense Secretary John Healey announced that over the next three years, the number of British armed forces personnel in the country will increase from around 1,000 to 2,000.

This is in response to NATO allies' concerns about Russian activities in the region, including the restoration of old Cold War bases and a growing military presence. Healey claims that Russia poses the greatest threat to the security of the Arctic and the north since the Cold War.

NATO ministers will discuss the proposals in Brussels on Thursday. The Arctic Sentry plan aims to strengthen surveillance and security in the region.

As part of the expanded presence, 1,500 Royal Marines will take part in the Cold Response exercise in Norway, Finland, and Sweden in March. Operation Lion Protector, aimed at defending critical infrastructure, will also take place in September.

According to the British Ministry of Defense, the number of Russian submarines in British waters has increased by 30 percent in two years.

(bbc, lud)