MPs warn of military gaps leaving UK exposed in High North

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 00:20 · Archive

A parliamentary committee has warned of critical defence shortages in the High North that could leave Britain vulnerable to Russian activity.

A report by the Commons Defence Committee has highlighted critical military shortages in the High North, the strategically important Arctic region including northern Scandinavia and the surrounding seas. MPs warn that gaps in UK and allied capabilities could leave Britain exposed to Russian military dominance, potential sabotage of undersea pipelines and cables, and threats to Atlantic supply routes.

The committee identified a particular shortfall in anti-submarine warfare at a time when Russia poses a growing maritime threat. The Royal Navy currently has five Type 23 frigates and six Type 45 destroyers in service, just over half the requirement for 19 vessels. The situation has been exacerbated by the breakdown of HMS Protector, leaving the UK without a vessel specifically designed for polar operations.

Defence Committee chairman Tan Dhesi said the UK 'does not have all the capabilities to operate successfully in the High North'. The report urges dramatic progress in building up armed forces and ships in the region by 2030. The Mirror reports this deadline coincides with when former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer predicted Moscow could attack NATO. Meanwhile Russia is building up its naval assets in the region as melting ice caps open access to energy resources and shipping routes.

MPs warn of military gaps leaving UK exposed in High North — Image: The Mirror

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How it is being reported

'Glaring gaps' in UK's High North military leave Brits and nuclear deterrent vulnerable to RussiaBritain is dangerously exposed in the High North to Kremlin spy ships and espionage as tension mount between the UK and Russia, MPs are warnedThe Mirror · 22 Oct, 00:02
Glaring military 'gaps' in 'hostile' High North are leaving UK vulnerable to Russian subs and sabotage, reportBritain and her allies are leaving the Arctic for the taking by Vladimir Putin, according to a devastating report.Daily Mail · 22 Oct, 00:02
‘Glaring gaps’ in military capability leave UK exposed to Russian attacks in High North, MPs warnThe High North has become crucial for the UK’s defence and security, with Vladimir Putin’s Russia increasingly sending spy ships based there into British watersThe Independent · 22 Oct, 00:01

In this story: UK · Russia · Commons Defence Committee · Royal Navy · Tan Dhesi · HMS Protector · Arctic

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