Norway's defence minister has warned that Russia's control of a strategic Arctic chokepoint could place London within range of hypersonic missiles. Tore Sandvik told The Times that Moscow may seek to dominate the Bear Gap, a 400-mile stretch between mainland Norway and the Svalbard archipelago, to gain access to the Atlantic.
Sandvik described the area as crucial for UK homeland defence, stating that if President Putin controls northern Scandinavia and the Bear Gap, it poses a direct threat to Britain. He highlighted Russia's development of hypersonic weapons, which could target Nato countries including the UK, Norway, and Denmark.
The Bear Gap connects the Barents Sea to the Norwegian Sea, holding similar strategic importance to the GIUK Gap further west. While Norway has sovereignty over Svalbard, the 1920 Svalbard Treaty prevents it from fortifying the territory or establishing a permanent military presence there.
French analyst Bruno Tertrais suggested that while direct Russian military action against Svalbard is unlikely, hybrid warfare could intensify. Norway has responded by tightening sanctions against Russian nationals and purchasing eight British Type 26 frigates in 2025.
Last week, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced talks with France on nuclear deterrence cooperation, signing a defence agreement that includes Norway joining a French-led nuclear initiative. This comes amid European concerns over US security commitments.
Russia, which possesses the world's largest nuclear arsenal, recently conducted major nuclear exercises involving 64,000 personnel. British Defence Secretary John Healey warned in February that Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic security since the Cold War, as the UK doubles its troop presence in Norway and expands joint exercises with Nato allies.
