UK and Norway strengthen cooperation on underwater capabilities

• UK Defense Secretary and Norwegian Defense Minister sign security partnership to counter submarine threats
• Statement of Intent (SOI) to Collaborate on Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Underwater Protection
• Partnership to strengthen defense cooperation among allied nations

The UK and Norway today agreed to develop a strategic partnership to counter common threats in the underwater realm, including threats to our underwater infrastructure.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace and Norwegian Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) during a visit to Northwood Maritime Operations Center today agreeing to work together more on submarine capabilities to enhance North Atlantic security.

The increasing use of the seabed for energy and communications purposes has resulted in increased opportunities for adversaries to threaten critical Western undersea national infrastructure, as evidenced by the damage to the Nordstream pipeline, where the UK and the Norway have jointly increased security patrols in the area.

Building on this continued collaboration, this partnership will enhance the ability of both nations to exercise and operate together and develop capabilities that will protect our common interests in the North Sea, while streamlining the process for Allies and partners to join. or complement the British and Norwegian activity.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said:

By cooperating through JEF and Group North with our long-standing defense partner and NATO ally, Norway, we are strengthening our joint capabilities to protect Western critical national infrastructure on the seabed.

The attack on the Nord Stream Pipeline determined even closer collaboration between our collective resources to detect and defend against underwater threats and ensure the continued security of the North Atlantic.

With common interests in the North Sea, the North Atlantic and the Far North, regional security is central to the national security of both nations. This strategic partnership will continue to deepen the defense ties between the two countries as they work together to protect and deter against submarine threats.

This announcement builds on the excellent bilateral defense relationship between Norway and the UK, including close cooperation within the JEF and Group North, as well as key shared capabilities such as patrol aircraft maritime P-8A and the F-35. Training and exercises have been the foundation of our bilateral defense relationship for more than 50 years.

Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram said:

It is important that democracies like the UK and Norway stand together when the rules-based international order is under pressure. The sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines last year is a concrete reminder of what is at stake here. By working together, we can improve our ability to detect submarines, counter mine threats and protect critical infrastructure on the seabed.

Earlier this year the UK also announced the arrival of a new underwater protection vessel at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, where it underwent a period of refit. Last month, this vessel supporting the protection of critical national infrastructure in the UK – was officially named RFA Proteus by Baroness Goldie during a visit to Faslane, Scotland.

The adaptable 98-metre Offshore Patrol Vessel the length of Big Ben will act as a mothership, operating remote and autonomous outboard systems for underwater surveillance and seabed warfare, critical to our safety national.

The UK continues to work closely with Norway to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty against Putin’s unlawful invasion, and we welcome Norway’s strong direct and indirect support for Ukraine.