Camp Viking: New UK base in Norway for Royal Marine Commandos

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Mar 19:58

The British Royal Navy says the base is part of the UK's efforts to strengthen NATO's capabilities in the Arctic region.

British Armoured Support Group (ASG) conduct a live fire shooting with their all-terrain Viking vehicles (British Royal Navy website)

The UK established a new military base in northern Norway with aims to bolster NATO capabilities in the Arctic as the coalition continues its heavy militarization following the start of the war in Ukraine with Russia.

The military base, called Camp Viking, will host commandos of the British Royal Marines, UK's Royal Navy said on Wednesday.

The commandos will be "the tip of the Arctic spear" and "the unit the UK turns to when it needs troops able to fight in cold weather extremes," continued the statement.

"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."

Norway, a neighbor of Russia, does not allow foreign countries to establish permanent bases on its soil, which is why the British military base is set to be open for 10 years only.

"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 in the statement, noting that around 1,000 soldiers have been deployed to the site so far.

The Defense Ministry of Norway told AFP that the base has been used by NATO member states earlier and lately by Dutch Marines.

"The camp is Norwegian and financed through Norwegian infrastructure and operational funds," a Ministry spokesperson said.

Norway often hosts troops of NATO allies to conduct military exercises to train in extremely cold weather,

It is worth noting that US investigative journalist and Pulitzer award winner Seymour Hersh, who recently published a report accusing the US of being responsible for the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, said on February 18 that it was Norway that pointed out to the United States the location of where the underwater pipeline was closest to the surface to facilitate the US operation.