UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will deploy a fleet of warships and fighter jets to the Arctic in 2026 to strengthen security in the region.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Starmer said the operation will involve close cooperation with the United States, Canada and other NATO allies amid rising tensions and growing military activity in the Arctic.
Starmer said the move reflects the UK’s renewed role in European and transatlantic security. He also stressed the need for deeper ties with the European Union in areas such as defence, technology and the economy to face shared security challenges.
The announcement comes as Western leaders discuss Russia’s actions, Arctic security and the future of the transatlantic alliance at the Munich conference. Several leaders highlighted the importance of unity among European countries and allies to counter growing threats.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Arctic security requires collective action and stressed that Greenland’s sovereignty must be respected. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said European unity remains the strongest defence against Russian aggression.
The planned Arctic deployment is expected to mark one of the UK’s most significant military commitments to the region in recent years.
With inputs from BBC