The Ministry of Defence has said the UK’s approach to security in the Arctic and High North is now being addressed through the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, rather than through a standalone update of its 2022 High North strategy.
In a written response to Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Defence Minister Al Carns said the Strategic Defence Review sets out the government’s current thinking on deterrence and security across the Euro-Atlantic area, including the Arctic.
“The 2025 Strategic Defence Review sets out the Government’s approach to deterring threats and strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area, including the Arctic and High North,” he said.
According to the minister, the region features prominently in the review’s strategic framework, particularly in relation to maritime security and NATO cooperation. He highlighted the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion concept, which focuses on securing the North Atlantic and adjacent waters, alongside the importance of NATO’s Northern Flank.
Carns also pointed to the UK’s role within the Joint Expeditionary Force and bilateral cooperation with Arctic-facing allies such as Norway as key elements of the UK’s posture in the High North.
The government said it continues to closely monitor developments in the region, including Russia’s military activity. “This is achieved through a combination of intelligence assessments, engagement with allies, and participation in multinational fora such as the JEF and NATO,” the minister said.
He added that NATO is continuing to adapt its deterrence and defence posture in response to the growing threat posed by Russia, including in the Arctic, and will adjust further if required.
So clueless au usual…
Maybe 1-2 MRSS/LHDs for seaborne Artic ops are needed asap?
So no real change beyond abandoning the UKCF model with LRG N and S? Barely got off the ground, Argus knackered, too few amphibs.
1SL talked recently of both Forty and Four Five going to Norway.
So LRG S robbed to concentrate on NATO area.
Meanwhile.
No extra helis for the CHF?
No extra artillery for 29 RA?
No extra CSS for an already paper thin 3 Cdo?
No more P8s to help in the GIUK?
No Maritime pods for Protector?
What substance does the arctic strategy actually have beyond hot air and continuing as we were before?
New hats and gloves for the marines ?
They had their new uniform as part of the glossy UKCF!
And new IW, not all issued yet apparently.
And some hand held drones, new comms, and buggies.
In exchange, lost most of their shipping and many Landing Craft.
Not a trade I’d have done.
Ahhh, the review that promises everything and delivers on nothing. I feel all reassured by that 🙄
Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi gets a mention. He is the excellent Chairman of the HCDC. Anyone know why I cannot find the recent session of HCDC interviewing CDS on BBC Parliament?
https :// parliamentlive .tv/Event/Index/203805dc-0734-4ee2-90ec-7fbcc0ba55ab
I’ve added spaces, just remove the spaces to use it.
Government getting desperate now — I was just reading about the new rules on calling up reservists in the UK. The government is planning to raise the age limit for strategic reservists from 55 to 65 and lower the threshold for mobilisation, so former service members could be recalled earlier in a crisis, not just during an actual attack.
Clutching at straws and terrified to upset the Orange One.