Munich, Germany | February 14, 2026 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will send a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and High North later this year, underscoring a new era of defence cooperation with NATO allies and a strengthened British role in European security.
Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Starmer described the deployment as a “powerful show” of the UK’s commitment to collective defence and shared stability in the face of rising geopolitical challenges. The operation will be conducted alongside the United States, Canada and other alliance partners.
“This step demonstrates Britain’s dedication to defending our shared interests and supporting our allies,” Starmer said, highlighting the need for a united and prepared Euro-Atlantic partnership.
Starmer Calls for Stronger European Defence
In his speech, Starmer emphasized that Europe must adapt to a rapidly changing security landscape, which has been reshaped by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and emerging threats in the Arctic region.
Europe, he argued, can no longer afford to view war as distant. “The ground beneath our feet is shifting,” Starmer said, noting that past assumptions about peace and security have been challenged by real-world events. He urged European nations to deepen defence cooperation and enhance military readiness.
Transatlantic Alliance Remains Central
Despite calls for greater European self-reliance, Starmer reaffirmed the importance of the transatlantic alliance, stating that the United States remains an essential partner.
“We must work closely with the US to ensure lasting security,” he said, adding that NATO remains the most effective military alliance in history. He dismissed concerns that Brexit would weaken UK-European ties, asserting that Britain is now working more closely than ever with its partners on defence and intelligence.
Arctic and Global Security in Focus
The announcement comes amid heightened attention to Arctic security, a region of increasing strategic significance due to climate change and geopolitical competition. Starmer described negotiations around Greenland and Arctic cooperation as indicative of the complex challenges facing Western partners.
A New Chapter in UK Defence Posture
Starmer’s remarks also touched on the broader need for European nations to invest more in defence and coordinate resources more effectively. He urged countries to move beyond inefficiencies and fragmentation to build a more capable and resilient security structure.
The UK’s planned carrier strike group deployment represents a tangible demonstration of this renewed focus on collective strength and strategic readiness.
For the full report, see: https://thereporter24.com/news/starmer-announces-uk-carrier-strike-group-deployment-to-arctic-region
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