Marines deployed to Norway under new agreement

About 150 Royal Marines from Somerset have arrived in Northern Norway under a new UK-Norway agreement, marking the first return of 40 Commando since 2020. They will train at Camp Viking in cold weather operations to strengthen NATO cooperation and Arctic security.

Approximately 150 Royal Marines from Somerset have been deployed to Norway as part of a strategic agreement between the United Kingdom and Norway. This marks the first return of Taunton's 40 Commando to the region since 2020. The Marines have arrived at Camp Viking, located in Northern Norway, where they will participate in training and operations focused on cold weather warfare, a key area of cooperation between the two nations.

Background of the Deployment

This deployment is the result of the Lunna House Agreement, signed in December. The agreement's primary objective is to enhance the protection of undersea cables, which have become increasingly vulnerable to threats from Russia, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Lunna House Agreement is viewed as a vital measure to safeguard critical infrastructure and address rising security concerns in the region.

The Role of 40 Commando

40 Commando, a unit within the UK’s Commando Force, will operate mainly from allied ships and landing craft. Their training will focus on preparing for potential combat scenarios in one of the world's harshest environments—the cold northern climates of Norway. Given their expertise in cold weather operations, 40 Commando plays a crucial role in securing and protecting NATO interests in the region.

Personnel Deployment

The UK’s total deployment to Norway involves 1,500 personnel, with 150 Marines from Taunton being part of this mission. This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen NATO's presence in the Arctic and deter potential threats from Russia in the high north.

Increased Threat from Russia

Over recent years, there has been a significant increase in the presence of Russian naval vessels in UK waters. According to the Ministry of Defence, the number of Russian ships operating near UK waters has risen by 30% in the past two years. This uptick in Russian military activity underscores the growing need for enhanced cooperation and readiness between the UK and Norway.

Camp Viking: The New Operations Hub

In 2023, the UK Commando Force established Camp Viking, a new operational hub located in the village of Øverbygd, Norway. This base will serve as a key location for military exercises and operations along Northern Norway's coastlines and mountain ranges. The Marines will conduct training exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, with an emphasis on interoperability with NATO allies.

Exercise Cold Response 2026

One of the major events 40 Commando will participate in is Exercise Cold Response 2026, a large-scale military exercise to be held in Norway. This exercise will be the largest of its kind in the country, showcasing NATO's unity and its ability to deter and respond to threats in the Arctic region. The event will also highlight the essential role of the UK’s Cold-Weather Specialist Commandos in ensuring security in this strategically important area.

Statements from Military Leadership

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, commanding officer of the 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, commented on the mission: "As NATO's cold-weather specialists, we are relentlessly focused on mission rehearsals with our closest partners. By integrating intelligence, bold commando tactics, and cutting-edge technology, we remain ready for any operational requirements."

Conclusion

The ongoing collaboration between the UK and Norway is part of a broader effort to enhance NATO’s capabilities in the Arctic region. As tensions with Russia continue to escalate, these military exercises and strategic agreements will be pivotal in maintaining the security of vital infrastructure and deterring potential aggression in the North.

Sources:

• Marines arrive in Norway as part of new agreement
• Royal Marines deploy to the Arctic in force as UK and Norway begin new era of cooperation
• United Kingdom and Norway sign the “Lunna House” agreement and send Royal Marines to train year-round in the Arctic