The UK and Norway have signed a defence agreement allowing their navies to operate a combined fleet of warships.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the “first of its kind” pact is aimed at protecting critical undersea cables, which the UK and NATO believe are under increasing threat from Russian submarines.
The Lunna House agreement – named after the Shetland Isles base used by the Norwegian resistance during the Second World War – was signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and his Norwegian counterpart, Tore Sandvik, in Downing Street on Thursday.
It will see the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy operate a fleet of British-built Type-26 frigates capable of hunting Russian submarines.
Mr Healey said it marked an “important moment” for two nations “with deep bonds”, adding that a “new era of threat” demands “co-operation” between NATO allies.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store on Thursday. Pic: PA
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added in a statement announcing the agreement: “At this time of profound global instability, as more Russian ships are being detected in our waters, we must work with international partners to protect our national security.
“This historic agreement with Norway strengthens our ability to protect our borders and the critical infrastructure our nations depend on.
“Through joint navy co-operation in the North Atlantic, we’re boosting security, supporting thousands of UK jobs, and showcasing Britain’s world-class shipbuilding on the global stage.”
Sir Keir, meeting with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Store in Downing Street after the agreement was signed, also said that Norway is an “absolutely vital member of the coalition of the willing”.
MoD: 30% rise in Russian vessels in UK waters
The MoD has reported a 30% rise in Russian vessels sighted in UK waters in the past two years.
The Royal Navy intercepted the warship RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya in November.
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Russian spy ship on edge of UK waters
That came after Russia accused the British government of “provocative statements” after the defence secretary warned the Yantar was nearing the UK.
Russia’s UK embassy insisted that the Yantar was a research ship in international waters.
A month earlier, HMS Duncan and a helicopter were scrambled to shadow Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov.
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The new agreement is underpinned by a £10bn UK-Norway warship deal, signed in September, which saw Oslo order five Type-26 frigates. They will be constructed by BAE Systems in Glasgow.
It will allow a fleet of at least 13 anti-submarine ships from the UK and Norway to operate jointly in northern Europe, and monitor Russian naval movements in the waters between Greenland, Iceland and Britain.
