In the upcoming review, the British authorities will call to expand the country’s military activities in the Arctic, according to Financial Times.

“The UK must expand its military footprint in the Arctic and High North as the region becomes increasingly contested owing to melting sea ice opening up access, the government’s defense review is set to advice,” the newspaper writes.

According to the newspaper, the review is being prepared by a team of independent experts led by former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, who were asked to examine the threats facing Britain and determine the capabilities needed to meet them, as well as assess the state of the country's armed forces.

The British government is to publish the report in the first half of the year; some want it to be done in May and others in June.

As the newspaper writes, the report will also confirm Britain’s investment in the initiative to create a sixth-generation stealth fighter jointly with Japan and Italy. It will also call for increased investment in UAVs and advanced technologies.