The United Kingdom (UK) is stepping up its Arctic defence strategy with the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies to monitor and counter growing threats from hostile states. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is highlighting the move during his official tour of the High North, starting today in Norway and Iceland.
This initiative reflects the UK’s mounting concerns about the Arctic’s strategic importance. Once considered remote and untouchable, the region is now a hotbed of geopolitical tension, climate-driven change, and emerging trade routes. For Britain, what unfolds in this icy expanse—especially in the waters near allies like Norway and Iceland—is directly tied to its own national security.
Arctic Security Now Central to UK Defence Strategy
“The Arctic is becoming an increasingly important frontier for geopolitical competition and trade, and a key flank for European and UK security,” said Lammy. “We cannot bolster the UK’s defence and deliver the Plan for Change without greater security in the Arctic.”
The UK is particularly concerned about Russia’s shadow fleet, which operates in these waters and is believed to threaten critical infrastructure such as undersea energy pipelines and data cables. These vital assets connect the UK and Europe to global networks and are central to energy and communications resilience.
Britain’s response is multifaceted. Its naval forces are working closely with Norway in joint patrols to deter and detect emerging subsea threats. These efforts come at a time when Russia’s Northern Fleet continues to test the limits of regional stability, backed by a fleet of aging nuclear-powered icebreakers supporting the Kremlin’s “High North” ambitions.
Some of these vessels, plagued by technical failures, risk not only security breaches but environmental disasters, with experts warning of potential oil spills due to poor maintenance and outdated technology.
In Iceland, Lammy is unveiling a UK-Iceland tech partnership designed to deploy AI for Arctic surveillance. This collaboration aims to improve the detection of suspicious activity and enable faster, more accurate response to threats. As the Arctic opens up due to melting ice, the race for control over its untapped energy reserves and trade corridors is accelerating—and so is the risk of exploitation.
“The AI technologies we’re investing in will help us monitor activity across this vast and increasingly contested space,” said Lammy. “This is about defending critical infrastructure and ensuring security on NATO’s northern flank.”
The UK’s use of AI aligns with broader efforts to modernize defence infrastructure. It complements deeper strategic ties with European allies, as highlighted by a new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership signed last week. This agreement emphasizes the need for closer coordination to safeguard shared interests.
From Climate Change to Cyber Threats: Why the Arctic Matters More Than Ever
Global warming is transforming the Arctic’s geography and economics. Ice caps are retreating, new shipping lanes are forming, and long-inaccessible oil, gas, and mineral resources are now within reach. But with these changes come risks—from Russia’s militarisation of the region to increased pressure on fragile ecosystems.
The UK is responding by integrating its Arctic operations into a larger defence expansion. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the country’s most substantial defence spending boost since the Cold War. Defence investment is set to reach 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, with ambitions to climb to 3% in the next parliamentary term.
The Arctic also plays a key role in British military training. The UK has worked alongside Norway for over 50 years, and this enduring alliance is now being reinforced. British troops continue to conduct Arctic survival and warfare training in Norway, preparing for operations in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth.
As Lammy emphasized, “It’s more important than ever that we work with our allies in the High North to patrol and protect these waters. That’s why we are investing in AI to strengthen our monitoring capabilities and defend against state-sponsored threats.”
