UK Deploys AI to Counter Russian Threats and Secure Arctic Amid Rising Tensions
The UK is deploying AI to monitor hostile activities in the Arctic, strengthening security alongside Norway and Iceland. This effort targets threats to critical undersea infrastructure amid rising geopolitical tensions.
UK Boosts Arctic Security with AI to Counter Hostile State Activity
The UK is enhancing its national security efforts by deploying artificial intelligence to detect hostile state activities in the Arctic. This announcement was made during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the Arctic on 27 May 2025. Given the proximity of Norway and Iceland—both close NATO allies—to the UK, developments in this region have direct implications for British security.
Joint Maritime Patrols and Subsea Threat Detection
Foreign Secretary David Lammy observed British and Norwegian naval cooperation in patrolling Arctic waters. Their joint efforts focus on detecting and deterring sophisticated subsea threats targeting energy infrastructure and national security, particularly those posed by Russia’s Northern Fleet. This follows recent discussions by the Prime Minister with Baltic and Scandinavian allies on supporting Ukraine and regional security.
UK-Iceland Partnership Using AI for Arctic Surveillance
In Iceland, the UK announced a new collaboration to use AI technology for monitoring hostile activity in the region. Melting ice caps are opening new shipping routes, increasing competition over natural resources such as gas, oil, and minerals. This intensifies security concerns as the Arctic becomes a contested zone.
Russia’s use of nuclear-powered icebreakers in Arctic waters supports its strategic ambitions. These vessels facilitate shipments funding Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and pose risks to maritime security and the environment due to their aging condition. UK sanctions have recently prevented Russia from deploying a floating repair dock in the Arctic, halting the journey of the tug boat Vengery, which was to tow the platform.
Statements from the Foreign Secretary
David Lammy emphasized the Arctic’s growing importance for European and UK security, highlighting the threat posed by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. He stressed the necessity of close cooperation with Norway and Iceland to strengthen patrol capabilities and protect critical undersea infrastructure such as cables that connect the UK and Europe.
Longstanding UK-Norway Defence Collaboration
Norway has hosted British troops’ Arctic training for over five decades. This longstanding partnership is now expanding through a strategic agreement to enhance mutual security. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary became the first UK official to travel to the northernmost inhabited area of the Arctic, the Svalbard Archipelago. There, UK scientists collaborate with Norwegian and other partners on climate research related to the region’s evolving geopolitical challenges.
New UK funding of £400,000 supports polar research, focusing on climate change impacts and resilience. This builds on 21 joint UK-Iceland research projects conducted over the past 18 months aimed at reinforcing knowledge about the Arctic’s future.
Protecting NATO’s Northern Flank and Critical Infrastructure
The UK continues to play a key role in securing NATO’s northern flank and safeguarding vital undersea infrastructure, including energy pipelines and telecommunications cables. These assets are essential to the UK's energy supply and communications stability.
Earlier in 2025, the Prime Minister announced the largest increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War. Defence expenditure will rise to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, with an ambition for 3% in the next parliamentary term, subject to economic conditions.
Security and Defence Partnership with the EU
Maritime security in the Arctic also forms part of the UK’s new Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, agreed last week. This partnership commits both parties to working together to enhance European safety.
During his visit to Iceland, the Foreign Secretary toured Keflavik Air Base, where RAF jets support NATO air policing missions that protect Arctic airspace. He also engaged with Icelandic scientists collaborating with UK counterparts on climate initiatives aimed at vulnerable countries worldwide.
Further Reading
- Explore AI courses for government and security professionals
- Learn about AI automation tools enhancing surveillance capabilities
