BRITAIN will send 800 troops to the Arctic next year to stop Russia grabbing land as the ice caps melt.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said ministers were drawing up a new strategy which will see hundreds of commandos being deployed to Norway to deal with the growing threat from Russia "in our back yard".

There are fears Putin could launch more land grabs as the ice caps melt Credit: Alamy Live News

He said Russia had been re-opening Soviet bases not used in years, and an increased submarine activity in the area meant that Britain had to protect its own interests.

Ministers are worried that as the Arctic ice melts, Russia's President Putin will try to grab land and intensify its activity there. Climate change has also sparked a rush to tap into oil reserves there.

Mr Williamson told the party's conference in Birmingham today: "As the ice melts, new shipping routes emerge and the significance of this region increases.

"Our Poseidon aircraft submarine hunters, based in Lossiemouth, will track Russian submarines. They will keep us safe at home and assist our NATO allies."

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson is stepping up the battle with Russia in the Arctic Credit: PA:Press Association

He added: "And we will step-up our training with our Norwegian friends, with 800 Royal Marines training each year in Norway....

"Beyond the High North and Arctic we must be ready, and must show that we are ready, to deal with threats as they emerge."

He said Russia is "increasing their military activity in the Arctic with more submarines operating increasingly under the ice" and had ambitions to build 100 facilities there.