Royal Navy "stepping up security" with Norway allies as "historic agreement" signed to hunt Russian spy ships
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
A “historic” defence pact has been signed between the UK and Norway to hunt down Russian spy ships.
Navies from both nations will operate a combined fleet of warships to hunt Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. The deal aims to protect under sea cables and other infrastructure from sabotage, which are under increasing threat from Moscow.
There has been a 30 per cent rise in Russian vessels sighted in UK waters in the past two years. Spy ship Yantar was spotted near Scotland in late November, with lasers shined into the faces of pilots who were trying to monitor their activities.
The so-called Lunna House agreement – named after the Shetland Isles base used by the Norwegian resistance during the Second World War – is underpinned by a £10 billion UK–Norway warship deal signed in September. Advanced Type 26 frigates are being built and will primarily be deployed in the North Atlantic, as part of the Royal Navy’s plan to adopt a Hybrid Carrier Air Wing.
Both nations will operate a fleet of at least 13 of these ships. The warships will monitor Russian naval movements in the waters between Greenland, Iceland and the UK, defending seabed cables and pipelines critical to British communications, electricity and gas networks.
The agreement, to be signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and his Norwegian counterpart Tore Sandvik in Downing Street, will also see the UK join Norway’s programme to develop motherships for un-crewed mine hunting and undersea warfare systems. Royal Marines will be trained in Norway to fight in sub-zero conditions, and the two countries will deepen their collaboration on using UK-built sting ray torpedoes, carry out 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 take out enemy ships at ranges of more than 100 miles. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.”
Mr Healey added: “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.
“Through this Lunna House agreement, we will patrol the North Atlantic as one, train together in the Arctic, and develop the advanced equipment that will keep our citizens safe now and into the future. We are stepping up on European security and delivering on our Nato-first plan.”