Source · Select Committees · International Relations and Defence Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 126
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It is essential that the UK continues to train sufficiently with its NATO and Nordic...
Conclusion
It is essential that the UK continues to train sufficiently with its NATO and Nordic allies to maintain capabilities and signal commitment to defending the region. The UK Government should continue to enhance capabilities through support for the Joint Expeditionary Force, the Northern Group and the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable. To avoid unintentional escalation, the UK and its allies should ensure their actions are predictable and there are clear contingency plans in place in the event of an incident.
Paragraph Reference:
126
Government Response
Position Not Stated
HM Government · verbatim extract
Position Not Stated
Agree. 8. The UK remains a committed Arctic partner, as security and stability across the High North has implications for the UK and our Allies. Regular cold weather training and exercising is a key part of this commitment. 9. The UK’s Defence Contribution to the High North commits the UK to maintain a coherent Defence posture, presence and profile in the region, including training, partnering, and operating from and in the Arctic. We have also committed to do this alongside Allies and partners in the region. We are currently expanding our cold weather training with Arctic partners. This includes periodic deployments of our new P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft to the region, further participation in Icelandic Air Policing and the establishment of a dedicated Littoral Response Group (North), optimised to operate alongside NATO, JEF and other partners in the High North. The Army continues to be deployed in Estonia on Operation CABRIT, training and operating during the harsh winter months, and will continue training with Sweden and Finland, as well as Norway. We work closely with Allies and partners to cohere and align activity in the region. 10. We continue to review capability requirements and opportunities with cutting edge technologies to further develop our ability to operate across the High North where appropriate. The MOD takes a scientific approach to analysing the number of platforms that it requires to meet its obligations through a series of wargames and capability audits. This analysis is reviewed annually, with the results being considered within the annual balance of investment assessment. Efforts by UK Defence to maintain communication channels with the Russian MOD also continue for the purposes of risk and escalation management.
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