Arctic Security: Norway Warns of Russian Threat, UK Increases Troop Deployment

Norwegian military authorities have recently warned that it cannot be ruled out that Russia may take military action against Norway in the future to protect its nuclear arsenal. At the same time, the UK announced that it will double the number of British troops stationed in Norway.

General Erik Kristoffersen, Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces, said in an interview with The Guardian that Russia's nuclear strike capability is currently "the only real factor that can threaten the United States." Therefore, security considerations related to nuclear forces could become one of the motivations for Russia to take actions in the northernmost regions.

Kristoffersen pointed out that Norway cannot rule out the possibility of a future Russian invasion of Norwegian territory. According to his statement, Moscow might take action in northern Norway. He emphasized that this is not a conquest plan similar to the Ukraine war, but rather more likely a security confrontation centered on nuclear deterrence capabilities.

One of the key areas of concern for the Norwegian military is the Kola Peninsula, which is adjacent to the border. This area is concentrated with Russian nuclear forces, including nuclear submarines, land-based missiles, and aircraft capable of nuclear strikes. Kristoffersen stated that if there were a collision with NATO, Russia's nuclear strike capability would be decisive. For this reason, Norway is preparing defense measures in its northern regions.

Kristoffersen said that Russia's behavior in its northern region so far has been "less aggressive than in the Baltic region," and some airspace violations and GPS interference incidents were attributed by Russia to misunderstandings or the inexperience of individual pilots.

While Norway expresses its security concerns, the UK has announced an increase in military deployment in the area. The UK government said that it will increase the number of British troops stationed in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over three years to deal with the "growing threat from Russia" and strengthen defense in the Arctic region. UK Defense Secretary John Healey pointed out that since the end of the Cold War, Russia has become one of the countries that pose the greatest threat to the security of the Arctic and northern regions, and the demand for defense is increasing.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856823516049484/

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