March 9, 2023
1 min read

UK opens military base in northern Norway

The base, about 65km south of Tromso, will be able to accommodate all personnel from the elite, commando-led Royal Marines force, which reacts to emerging crises in Europe…reports Asian Lite News

A UK military base has opened in the far north of Norway to strengthen Nato’s capabilities in the Arctic after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Named Camp Viking, the newly established Norwegian site will serve as a centre for Royal Marines Commandos, Britain’s Royal Navy said.

The Navy said the troops were “the tip of the Arctic spear” and “the unit the UK turns to when it needs troops able to fight in cold weather extremes”.

“A new Arctic operations base will support Britain’s commandos for the next 10 years as the UK underscores its commitment to security in the high north,” it said.

Norway, which borders Russia, refuses to host permanent bases for foreign soldiers, hence the time limit for Camp Viking.

The base, about 65km south of Tromso, will be able to accommodate all personnel from the elite, commando-led Royal Marines force, which reacts to emerging crises in Europe.

“The camp’s location is ideal for deterring threats in the region and situated so the UK can respond rapidly if needed to protect Nato’s northern flank and its close ally, Norway,” the Navy said.

About 1,000 commandos have been sent to the base this winter.

Norway’s Defence Ministry said the base had previously been used by Nato allies and then Dutch Marines. “The camp is Norwegian and financed through Norwegian infrastructure and operational funds,” a ministry spokeswoman said. A founding member of Nato, Norway regularly hosts allied troops for combat training in extreme cold.

The country, which shares a 198km border with Russia, has provided Ukraine with a wide range of military equipment, including artillery and ammunition.

The Ukraine conflict prompted its eastern neighbours Finland and Sweden to apply for Nato membership in May 2022, ending decades-long policies of military non-alignment.

ALSO READ-EU to send more military support to Ukraine

Previous Story

EU to send more military support to Ukraine

Next Story

World Uyghur Congress nominated for Nobel Prize

Latest from -Top News

Activists Targeted Again in Balochistan

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Tuesday condemned the enforced disappearance of Baloch leader Ghani Baloch, blaming Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Agencies and Frontier Corps….reports Asian Lite News The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC),

Islamabad-Ankara-Baku Axis Sharpens Against India

Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly expressed solidarity with Pakistan and backed Islamabad in its military standoff with India, this month….reports Asian Lite News The evolving alliance between Islamabad, Ankara, and Baku

B’desh SC Acquits Islamist in War Crimes Case

ATM Azharul Islam was slapped with the charges of crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War of the country in 1971….reports Asian Lite News The Supreme Court of Bangladesh on Tuesday

India Targets Pak Terror Ties in Guyana

The delegation met the Guyanese President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who had hosted a dinner to celebrate friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations…reports Asian Lite News Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, currently

EU Vows US Trade Deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen phoned Trump on Sunday, after which he agreed to postpone the planned tariff increase until July 9….reports Asian Lite News The European Commission remains “fully
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK job market on its way back after downturn

The REC survey has generally painted a weaker picture of

UK donates more Covid jabs to Bangladesh

While welcoming the second consignment of vaccines donation from the