Commons committee warns of gaps in UK Arctic defences

A Commons committee has warned that gaps in Britain’s Arctic defences could leave the country less able to counter Russian submarine activity and protect undersea infrastructure and Atlantic supply routes if conflict breaks out.

The Defence Committee’s report, *Defence in the High North*, says the Royal Navy’s under-ice submarine capability has lapsed. The last Trafalgar-class submarine retired in 2025, and the Navy’s most recent Arctic Ice Exercise took place in 2018. The Ministry of Defence said in March that it was certifying Astute-class submarines to replace the previous capability.

The committee recommends that the Government report on restoring under-ice operations for at least some Astute-class boats. It warns that without this capability the UK is less able to challenge Russian submarines operating beneath the ice. The report describes a defence gap, not an ongoing Russian attack.

It also points to shortages of anti-submarine frigates and amphibious ships, and poor availability of other vessels, including destroyers and submarines. The committee says those problems could undermine the UK’s plans for the region, while European allies remain reliant on US military capabilities that would take time and investment to replace.

The High North includes the Arctic and parts of the North Atlantic. The committee says Russian submarine and undersea activity in the region could threaten NATO supply routes, UK infrastructure such as data cables and energy pipelines, and the country’s nuclear deterrent.

The report also asks the Government to consider whether the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force should focus more on the High North, operating there more frequently and developing its demanding anti-submarine role. That is a recommendation for consideration, not an agreed change in policy.