British Marines are training in Norway, preparing for a possible NATO collective defense scenario amid rising tensions with Russia.
Marines Training in Norway
British marines are conducting exercises at Camp Viking in northern Norway, preparing for a scenario triggering Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The camp, opened in 2023, has steadily increased troop numbers for exercises. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that within three years, the UK doubled the number of marines in Norway, reaching 2,000 personnel last year.
Russia as a Security Threat
On January 15, British Marine Commander Jaimie Norman, visiting Camp Viking, declared, “We are no longer at peace.” He described the current situation as a continuum between war and peace. The UK emphasizes developing NATO military cooperation due to the security threat Russia poses to the Arctic region.
Veteran Mobilization Changes
The UK government plans to change veteran mobilization rules, raising the age from 55 to 65, enabling the potential mobilization of tens of thousands of former soldiers. Defense Minister Al Carns stated in December that war is “already knocking on Europe’s door,” urging preparation for conflicts larger than those in Iraq and Afghanistan.