Britain teams up with Norway to search for Russian submarines

British and Norwegian naval forces are set to establish a pioneering maritime partnership aimed at monitoring Russian submarines. The defence agreement, scheduled for signing on Thursday at Downing Street, will see both navies operating closely together across the North Atlantic.

As NATO members, the UK and Norway have collaborated previously to follow Russian naval movements. This new pact, however, formalizes a more consistent joint presence, positioning the two nations as a regional security force dedicated to protecting northern European waters.

Under the deal, Britain will participate in a Norwegian-led initiative to construct a minehunting mothership equipped with drones to detect underwater explosives. Defence officials state that this collaboration will also enhance protection of the UKs critical undersea infrastructure, including cables and pipelines, against potential Russian sabotage.

The alliance will extend to weapon development, with the Royal Navy integrating Norways advanced strike systems into its fleet, while Norway continues work on the UK-developed Sting Ray torpedo program. Officials expect the pact to support UK jobs through involvement in the development of new military technology and the minehunting vessel.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked: Amid growing global tensions and increased Russian naval activity, it is vital to strengthen our partnerships to secure national defence. This agreement with Norway enhances our capability to safeguard borders and essential infrastructure, while also supporting thousands of UK jobs and showcasing British shipbuilding expertise.

Sir Keir is set to meet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre at RAF Lossiemouth, home to the UKs P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. The leaders will review how these aircraft have been deployed to track Russian vessels, including the suspected spy ship Yantar, which was recently observed off Scotland. Defence Secretary John Healey described the Yantars attempts to dazzle RAF pilots with lasers as deeply dangerous.

The Yantar is believed capable of locating undersea cables, critical for the UKs internet and communications. Experts warn that the cables depth and isolation make them vulnerable targets for attacks that could disrupt the nations economy.

Mr Healey is also expected to finalize the defence agreement with his Norwegian counterpart Tore O. Sandvik before visiting Portsmouth. Earlier this year, the UK committed to exporting several Type 26 frigates to Norway in a 10bn deal. Both navies will deploy these vessels to patrol the strategic corridor between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK, monitoring Russian activity. The Royal Navy plans to commission eight of these frigates between 2028 and 2035, while Norway will receive five.

Author: Ava Mitchell