UK and Norway Forge Joint Naval Force to Counter Russian Submarine Activity
LONDON - Britain and Norway are cementing a landmark defense partnership, uniting their naval forces in a bolstered effort to track and deter Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic.The collaboration, formalized today with the signing of the lunna House agreement by UK Defence Secretary John healey and his Norwegian counterpart Tore Sandvik, builds upon a £10 billion deal signed in September, marking Britain’s first sale of new warships in over half a century.
The agreement will see the creation of a combined Norwegian-UK submarine hunting fleet, strengthening NATO‘s northern flank amid increasing concerns over Russian naval presence.It also encompasses joint training exercises for Royal Marines in sub-zero conditions, deepened collaboration on UK-built Sting Ray torpedoes, joint wargaming, and the adoption of autonomous systems in the High North.
This intensified cooperation comes as Russian submarine activity in the region has risen sharply, with a 30 percent increase in Russian vessels sighted in UK waters over the past two years. The partnership aims to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure and maintain security in the strategically vital North Atlantic.
Under the terms of the deal, Oslo will purchase at least five British-built sub-hunting frigates, sharing ships and crews with the Royal Navy. The UK will also adopt advanced Norwegian Naval strike Missiles, capable of engaging enemy ships at ranges exceeding 100 miles.
“This deal will create a combined Norwegian-UK submarine hunting fleet to strengthen Nato’s northern flank,” stated Defence Secretary John Healey.”Young people at school today in Norway and the UK will have the chance to crew together on these ships.”
The first of the new Type 26 warships, HMS Glasgow, is slated to enter British Navy service with Norwegian sailors onboard. Moreover, the UK will join Norway’s program to develop motherships for uncrewed mine hunting and undersea warfare systems, showcasing Britain’s world-class shipbuilding capabilities and supporting thousands of UK jobs.
