UK Defence Committee warns Arctic gaps leave UK vulnerable to Russian attacks

The Commons Defence Committee warned that the UK has "glaring gaps" in Arctic defence, specifically a shortage of Royal Navy warships and submarines, exposing critical infrastructure like undersea cables and energy supplies in the High North. The report noted a "shockingly low availability" of submarines, which Russia could use under Arctic ice to threaten NATO sea lanes, UK critical infrastructure, and the UK's nuclear deterrent. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated it is "clear-eyed about the threat Russia posed" and is investing to protect undersea cables. The committee suggested the UK consider focusing the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force (Jef) more on the High North, especially given uncertainty over US support for Nato.