UK Armed Forces have deployed to the remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen alongside Norwegian and US allies as part of Operation Atlantic City. The trilateral operation, which ran from August 26 to September 4, 2026, was a demonstration of NATO’s enhanced capability to operate jointly in the High North.
Royal Marine Commandos and personnel from LXX Squadron, Royal Air Force, participated in the exercise. It tested NATO’s ability to operate in harsh Arctic conditions, where meticulous planning is required due to weather and terrain.
Jan Mayen, located in the Norwegian Sea approximately 620 miles from mainland Norway, holds a critical geostrategic position north of the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap. This area is considered vital for the defence of northern Europe and the wider Euro-Atlantic area.
During the operation, UK forces worked with the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Norwegian Home Guard, and US Marine Corps units. They integrated various sensor and communications systems, aiming to better prepare NATO for potential threats.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting commented that the High North is vital to the security of the UK and its NATO Allies. He added that the operation demonstrates the strength of the partnership with Norway and the United States, and the ability of their Armed Forces to operate together in demanding Arctic conditions.
Operation Atlantic City ran concurrently with naval manoeuvres during Operation Northern Viking 26, supporting NATO’s broader Arctic Sentry activities. This exercise built on similar Allied training conducted around Jan Mayen last year.