London: The UK will double the number of its troops stationed in Norway over the next three years in response to growing Russian activity in the Arctic, Defense Secretary John Healey has said. Around 1,000 British personnel are currently deployed in the Nordic country. That number is set to rise to 2,000 as part of efforts to strengthen NATO's northern flank.

According to Qatar News Agency, Healey said defense demands in the region were increasing, describing Russia as the greatest threat to Arctic security since the Cold War. NATO allies have raised concerns over Moscow's reopening of Soviet-era bases and expanding military presence in the High North.

The announcement comes ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday, where the proposals are expected to be discussed. As part of the expanded presence, 1,500 Royal Marines will take part in NATO's Cold Response exercises in March across Norway, Finland and Sweden, designed to prepare allied forces for operations in extreme Arctic conditions.

The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force will also conduct Exercise Lion Protector in September, focusing on defending critical infrastructure across Norway, Iceland and the Danish Straits. British officials said Russian submarine activity in UK waters has increased by 30% over the past two years, with North Atlantic operations returning to levels not seen since the Cold War.