The UK has kickstarted negotiations today on a major
defence agreement with Norway in a move that will bolster
security at home and on the European continent and help deter
Russian aggression.
During a visit 400km inside the Arctic Circle, including to
the Norwegian border with Russia, the Defence Secretary
set out plans for a new
agreement which will bring the UK and Norway closer together than
ever, boosting national security and creating opportunities for
growth to help deliver the government's Plan for Change.
The proposed strategic partnership will look to
build on the UK's longstanding defence
relationship with Norway by strengthening our armed forces,
developing closer industrial ties and enhancing our
capabilities to face common challenges such as protection of
critical undersea infrastructure. It follows the Defence
Secretary signing the landmark Trinity House Agreement with
Germany in October.
The announcement, recognising the importance of the High
North region, comes as the UK steps up to take a leading
role in European security and within NATO.
With Russia continuing to militarise the High North and Arctic,
this new agreement will boost security for the UK, Norway and our
NATO allies, bolstering defences on NATO's northern flank.
Alongside Norway Defence Minister Tore Sandvik, visited a border post near
Kirkenes on the Russian border yesterday. There,
they discussed shared security concerns and the
commitment to deterring Russian threats and stepping up support
for Ukraine in this critical year.
Defence Secretary 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.”
Both Defence ministers also visited the UK's ship RFA
Proteus in Bodø, which is docked in Norway ahead
of exercises in the Baltic Sea.
The Ministers
saw how Proteus' capabilities support UK and
European security – functioning as a mothership for drones
and remotely operated vehicles, which act as a deterrent and can
monitor and protect undersea infrastructure.
The UK and Norway have both stepped up maritime security in the
Baltic Sea to protect critical undersea infrastructure.
Under NATO's Operation Baltic Sentry operation, the UK and Norway
are working together, with the UK contributing Rivet Joint and
P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
Speaking in sub-zero conditions in Bodø, the
two Ministers highlighted their determination to
defend shared interests in an increasingly
unstable world.
Together, the UK and Norway continue to be ironclad in support
for Ukraine, leading the Maritime
Capability Coalition which is transforming the
Ukrainian Navy by developing its Black Sea maritime
force and building new cutting-edge underwater drones.
Both nations are also playing a key part in the training of
Ukrainian recruits. More than 51,000 men and women have
been provided with the skills needed to counter Russian's
illegal invasion.
In addition, Norway is the only nation to join the full duration
of the UK's Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific
this year. A Norwegian frigate will sail alongside the Royal Navy
aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. In preparation for the
deployment, the UK and Norway will take part in Exercise Tamber
Shield in the next few weeks.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- A joint statement is expected to be issued later today.
- Demonstrating the UK's unique defence relationship with
Norway, the UK Armed Forces exercise and operate
at Camp Viking, located next to a Norwegian Armed
Forces base and near to the air base at Bardufoss where
the UK's Commando Helicopter Force operates.
- Norway plays a vital role in training UK Armed Force
personnel. This year UK Commandos will be taking part
in exercise Joint Viking, a large NATO exercise in
Norway with more than 7,000 allied troops taking part
in sub-zero temperatures next month. The Commandos
will be supported by Royal Navy P2000 fast patrol crafts and RFA
Lyme Bay.
- For more than half a century, the UK Commando Force
have travelled to the High North to take part in Arctic training,
whilst in the skies, RAF Typhoons fly alongside Norwegian F-35's,
protecting our interests in the region and in 2024, more
than 70 Royal Navy vessels visited Norway.
