British Forces in the North: Will Operate in Northern Norway Year-Round
British Marines from 45 Commando disembark a Merlin Mk4 helicopter at a training area in Inner Troms, Northern Norway. (Photo: Lee Blease / UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025).
This year, Norway and the United Kingdom will increase the cooperation between their military forces. In December, the two countries signed an extensive defense agreement that paves the way for greater British presence in the High North.
At the end of last year, Norway and the UK entered into an extensive defense agreement which, among other things, strengthens the Brits' role in the defense of Norway.
Going forward, Royal Marines will now operate year-round in Northern Norway, expanding the country's previous involvement, which had been limited to usual winter deployments.
A new chapter in the North
At the start of January, the Royal Navy reports that Royal Marines are returning in force to the High North for joint operations with Norway in defense of NATO's northern flank.
The soldiers belong to the UK Commando Force, placed under the Royal Marines.
"The commandos will operate across the coastlines and mountains of Northern Norway and take part in Exercise Cold Response – the largest military exercises in the country in 2026, which will demonstrate the unity of NATO and the ability of the alliance to deter threats in the high north," states the Royal Navy in a press release.
"Crucially, it will see UK forces operate closely with their Norwegian hosts, but also marines from the Netherlands, as they train to defend this strategically important region across fjords and mountains."
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, Commanding Officer 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, said the UK Commando Force is stepping up readiness to war-fight alongside allies in the High North.
He added that the force, as NATO's cold-weather specialist, is highly focused on mission rehearsals with its closest partners.
A British all-terrain vehicle during an exercise in Bardufoss in Troms, Northern Norway. The all-terrain vehicle, Viking (BvS10), is designed for amphibious operations and can “swim” when necessary, either to land troops or to cross obstacles such as rivers and lakes. (UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022).
Tied closer together
The British Marines have trained regularly in Norway for a long time. The force is the UK's extreme cold weather and mountain warfare experts.
In 2023, Camp Viking in Troms, Northern Norway, was established, which serves as an operations hub for the British soldiers. This year, about 1,500 soldiers, in addition to all-terrain vehicles and helicopters, will return to Camp Viking, says the Royal Navy.
A key point in the new agreement between Norway and the UK is closer integration of Norwegian and British forces, and a greater presence, in order to contribute to the rapid reinforcement of Norway.
"British Marines have a long tradition of practicing winter operations with naval and amphibious forces in Inner Troms, Northern Norway. In the future, they will train in Norway during the other seasons as well. By being more present in Norway, the Royal Marines will be more closely integrated into the defense of Norway, and they will be able to come to our aid quickly if a crisis or war situation should arise," said Norway's Minister of Defense, Tore O. Sandvik (Labor), in connection with the new defense agreement with the UK.
The cooperation between the two countries includes closer integration of Norwegian and British forces, cooperation on the purchase and operation of new frigates, rapid reinforcement of Norway in times of crisis and war, and joint drone projects in the High North.
