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UK and Norway Sign Historic Defence Pact to Track Russian Submarines in North Atlantic
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The UK and Norway are set to sign a historic defense agreement that will create a joint naval fleet focused on tracking Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, according to The Independent on December 4.
This partnership aims to protect vital undersea cables, which are increasingly vulnerable to Russian threats. The Ministry of Defence reported a 30% increase in Russian naval activity in UK waters over the past two years.
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The pact, named the Lunna House agreement after the World War II Norwegian resistance base in the Shetland Isles, is supported by a £10 billion UK-Norway warship deal signed in September. The deal will see the construction of Type 26 frigates at BAE Systems’ Glasgow yard, forming a fleet of at least 13 anti-submarine ships from both nations, with Norway contributing five ships.
“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,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. “This historic agreement with Norway strengthens our ability to protect our borders and the critical infrastructure our nations depend on.”
These warships will monitor Russian naval activity across the North Atlantic waters, protecting crucial undersea cables and pipelines that support the UK’s communications, electricity, and gas infrastructure. The agreement will also see the UK join Norway’s initiative to develop motherships for unmanned mine-hunting and undersea warfare systems.
As reported by The Independent, Royal Marines will train in Norway for sub-zero combat conditions, while the two countries will also deepen their collaboration on UK-built stingray torpedoes, conduct joint wargaming, and lead NATO’s adoption of autonomous systems in the High North.
The Royal Navy will also adopt advanced Norwegian naval strike missiles, which can target enemy ships from over 100 miles away.
“In this new era of threat and with increasing Russian activity in the North Atlantic, our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances. When our critical infrastructure and waters are threatened, we step up. For over 75 years, the UK and Norway have stood shoulder to shoulder on NATO’s northern flank, defending Europe and keeping our people safe. This partnership takes us further, making our nations more secure at home and strong abroad,” Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
He added that through the Lunna House agreement, the two countries would patrol the North Atlantic together, conduct joint training in the Arctic, and develop advanced equipment to ensure the safety of their citizens both now and in the future.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is ready to engage in war with European countries if they provoke hostilities, signaling a significant escalation in tensions as talks continue over a potential US-mediated peace agreement for Ukraine.
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