Key facts
- Russia's military presence in the Arctic and High North is increasing.
- The UK's defense secretary described this as the greatest threat to the region's security since the Cold War.
- There are fears Russia could threaten an Arctic chokepoint.
- This potential threat could bring London within range of hypersonic missiles.
- Russia could deploy hypersonic missiles closer to the UK from bases in Crimea and Kaliningrad.
The Arctic region is becoming increasingly strategically important due to melting ice caps opening new shipping routes and access to resources. Russia has significantly increased its military activities and infrastructure development in the region, raising concerns among NATO members about potential threats to security and freedom of navigation.