Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander is joining defence leaders in Oslo this week for the Atlantic Future Forum, co-hosted by the UK and Norway aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, which was built in Rosyth. According to the Scotland Office, it is the first time the summit has been held in mainland Europe, a signal of the UK's commitment to European security and the High North.

Alexander is expected to set out Scotland's role in UK defence, including HMNB Clyde's support for the nuclear deterrent and Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons at RAF Lossiemouth. The department said defence investment in Scotland reached £2.53 billion in 2025/26, the highest since records began, and that the Ministry of Defence supports 26,300 jobs in Scotland, including 12,200 in industry. It also cited the Scotland Defence Growth Deal and two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, which the Scottish Government has agreed to match fund.

Alexander said Scotland's defence capabilities and industry are integral to collective security and that he would make the case in Oslo for more investment and jobs. The forum brings together defence ministers, military chiefs including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, industry leaders and academia. The UK Government also noted that the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force carried out its largest activity to date this autumn.