Quick Read
- 150 Royal Marines from Taunton’s 40 Commando deployed to Camp Viking, Norway.
- Deployment is part of a larger 1,500 UK personnel commitment.
- The move follows the new Lunna House Agreement, signed in December.
- Agreement aims to protect undersea cables from increased Russian threat.
- Marines will participate in Exercise Cold Response 2026, a major NATO drill.
OSLO (Azat TV) – Approximately 150 Royal Marines from Taunton’s 40 Commando have arrived in Norway’s Camp Viking, marking their first deployment to the Nordic nation since 2020 as part of a significant new agreement between the UK and Norway. This deployment is a direct response to escalating threats to critical undersea infrastructure, with the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) citing increased Russian naval activity near UK waters.
The deployment, which saw the Somerset-based commandos arrive last week, is a component of a larger commitment involving 1,500 UK personnel. It underscores a long-standing dedication to cold weather warfare training and is bolstered by the recently signed Lunna House Agreement from December, specifically designed to safeguard vital undersea cables.
Strengthening Arctic Presence and Deterrence
The 40 Commando unit will operate from allied ships and landing craft, engaging in rigorous training exercises in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Their mission focuses on honing combat readiness for potential operations across the rugged coastlines and mountains of Northern Norway, leveraging the UK Commando Force’s operational hub, Camp Viking, established in 2023 in the village of Øverbygd.
This strategic positioning and training are particularly critical as the MoD has reported a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years. The Lunna House Agreement directly addresses these concerns, aiming to bolster collective security in the High North.
Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure
The primary impetus behind the new agreement and subsequent deployment is the perceived threat from Moscow to undersea communication and energy cables. These cables are indispensable for global communication, internet services, and economic stability. Their vulnerability to potential sabotage or surveillance has prompted Western allies to enhance protective measures and surveillance capabilities.
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, commanding officer of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, emphasized the focused nature of the deployment. He stated, “As NATO’s cold-weather specialists, we are ruthlessly focussed on mission rehearsals with our closest partners. Fusing intelligence, bold commando tactics, and cutting-edge technology – we remain poised for operations.” This statement highlights the multi-faceted approach to modern warfare, integrating intelligence, tactical proficiency, and technological advantage.
NATO Unity in the High North
The Royal Marines will also participate in Exercise Cold Response, scheduled for 2026. This exercise is set to be the largest military drill in Norway this year, serving as a powerful demonstration of NATO’s unity and its collective ability to deter threats in the strategically vital High North. The alliance’s commitment to maintaining a robust presence and readiness in the Arctic is a key element of its broader defense posture, especially given the region’s increasing geopolitical significance and the melting Arctic ice opening new maritime routes.
The deployment of UK Royal Marines to Norway, under the new Lunna House Agreement, signifies a proactive and coordinated effort by NATO allies to address evolving security challenges in the Arctic. This move not only reinforces cold weather warfare capabilities but also underscores the critical importance placed on protecting undersea infrastructure, which forms the backbone of modern global connectivity, against increasingly assertive geopolitical rivals.