The UK government has announced that negotiations have begun on a major defence agreement with Norway in a move that aims to bolster security at home and on the European continent and help deter Russian aggression.
During a recent visit to Norway, UK Defence Secretary John Healey outlined plans for a new agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration between the UK and Norway. This initiative is designed to strengthen national security and create growth opportunities in alignment with the government’s Plan for Change.
The proposed strategic partnership seeks to build upon the UK’s enduring defence relationship with Norway by fortifying armed forces, fostering closer industrial connections, and improving capabilities to address shared challenges, such as the safeguarding of critical undersea infrastructure. This announcement follows the Defence Secretary’s signing of the significant Trinity House Agreement with Germany in October.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the High North region, this initiative comes as the UK assumes a more prominent role in European security and within NATO. In light of Russia’s ongoing militarization of the High North and Arctic, this new agreement is expected to enhance security for the UK, Norway, and NATO allies, thereby strengthening defences along NATO’s northern flank.
Accompanied by Norway’s Defence Minister Tore Sandvik, John Healey visited a border post near Kirkenes on the Russian frontier where they engaged in discussions regarding mutual security concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to deterring Russian threats while increasing support for Ukraine during this pivotal year.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Kickstarting work on a deep, ambitious new defence agreement with Norway shows the UK promise to step up on European security in action.”
“Norway remains one of the UK’s most important allies. We will create a new era of defence partnership to bring us closer than ever before as we tackle increasing threats, strengthen NATO, and boost our security in the High North.”
“The UK is determined to play a leadership role on European security, supporting the foundations for our security and prosperity at home and showing our adversaries that we are united in our determination to protect our interests.”
The Defence Ministers also toured the UK’s RFA Proteus, currently docked in Bodø, Norway, in preparation for upcoming exercises in the Baltic Sea. They observed how the capabilities of the Proteus enhance security for both the UK and Europe, serving as a mothership for drones and remotely operated vehicles that provide deterrence and facilitate the monitoring and protection of undersea infrastructure.
In response to growing concerns, both the UK and Norway have intensified their maritime security efforts in the Baltic Sea to safeguard critical undersea assets. As part of NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry, the UK and Norway are collaborating, with the UK deploying Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft. In the frigid conditions of Bodø, the two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to defending mutual interests in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Norway Defence Minister, Tore Sandvik said: “The United Kingdom is Norway’s closest and most important ally in Europe, and our two countries have maintained a close and strong security and defence cooperation for many years. We now face many of the same security challenges in a time of great uncertainty.”
“It is therefore natural for us to strengthen our ties even further to enhance both our own and our allies’ security while safeguarding our shared strategic interests. At the same time, we will contribute to making NATO stronger.”
