UK outlines Arctic defence priorities

By Elías Thorsson April 30, 2025
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A projectile is seen as a dark streak as it exits the muzzle of the British Army’s new Archer Mobile Howitzer gun, as British Army soldiers take part in training near Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, Finland. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. PA via Reuters

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to Arctic security during its ongoing Strategic Defence Review, reports the UK Defence Journal. This commitment is being announced as questions grow about whether European allies can shoulder Arctic defence responsibilities without the United States.

Speaking in response to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Graeme Downie, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the Ministry of Defence is focused on maintaining a “coherent defence posture” in the Arctic and remains ready to support allies if needed. While the Strategic Defence Review is still in progress and no decisions have yet been made about the permanent stationing of UK forces, Pollard noted that the review will set the long-term strategic direction for the UK’s defence policy in the region.

Pollard highlighted the UK’s current military footprint in the High North, including deployments of the Littoral Response Group, Carrier Strike Group, and Joint Aviation Command, along with routine maritime patrols. UK personnel also continue to participate in cold-weather training exercises in Norway to maintain operational readiness in Arctic conditions.

The UK also plays a leading role in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a 10-nation framework that includes several Arctic states. As JEF lead nation, the UK contributes to consensus-building and security cooperation in the region.

These remarks come as European governments face growing questions over how much of the Arctic security burden they can carry alone. In a recent article by Arctic Today, experts highlighted that the question is not whether European nations have sufficient military capability, but whether they have the political will to act if U.S. engagement in Europe’s Arctic defence weakens.

Norway, Sweden and Finland—now all NATO members—have intensified cooperation in the region, particularly through frameworks like the JEF. However, concerns remain about the ability of European countries to coordinate effectively and act decisively in the event of a security crisis in the Arctic.

As the UK’s Strategic Defence Review continues, both its national commitments and its contributions to regional partnerships like the JEF will be closely watched as indicators of Europe’s broader readiness to respond to Arctic challenges.