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The UK and Norway are to sign a defence pact that will see their navies operate a combined fleet of warships to hunt Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. The deal is aimed at protecting critical undersea cables which are under increasing threat from Moscow, with a 30% rise in Russian vessels sighted in UK waters in the past two years, the Ministry of Defence, MoD, said. The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Store at RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland on Thursday. The two leaders will hear from P-8 maritime patrol crews who have been tracking Russian vessels including the spy ship Yantar, which recently pointed lasers at one of the aircraft. 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 UKNorway warship deal signed in September. Type 26 frigates will be constructed at the BAE Systems PLC yard in Glasgow and will allow a fleet of at least 13 anti-submarine ships from the UK and Norway at least five of which will be Norwegian to operate jointly in northern Europe. 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 uncrewed 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. 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.’ Healey said: ‘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.’ The UK and its Nato allies have become increasingly concerned about the risk Moscow poses to underwater cables and pipelines, amid heightened tensions following the invasion of Ukraine. Attacks on undersea infrastructure could cause ‘catastrophic disruption’ to the financial and communications systems Britons rely on, the National Security Strategy Committee warned in a September report. BAE shares closed 0.9% higher at 1,638.50 pence each on Wednesday in London. By Sophie Wingate, Press Association Deputy Political Editor Press Association: News source: PA Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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