UK and Norway team up to track down Russian submarines

The United Kingdom and Norway have formalized a defence alliance aimed at deploying a joint naval force to monitor and deter Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. The initiative focuses on safeguarding undersea infrastructure, including critical communication cables, which UK authorities warn are increasingly targeted by Moscow. The Ministry of Defence reported a 30% increase in Russian naval activity near British waters over the past two years.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two NATO allies will operate a fleet featuring British-made Type-26 frigates. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the pact as "historic," emphasizing its role in reinforcing the protection of essential national infrastructure.

The announcement coincides with Starmer hosting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stre at RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland. During the visit, both leaders will receive briefings from maritime patrol teams tracking Russian ships, including the Yantar, a vessel accused of using lasers to interfere with RAF aircraft. Russia maintains the Yantar is a research vessel, but Western intelligence has frequently monitored its activities in European waters, suspecting it of mapping undersea cables.

Britain relies heavily on undersea cables for data transmission, alongside critical oil and gas pipelines connecting it to North Sea neighbors like Norway. The newly signed Lunna House agreement, named after a Shetland Isles base used by Norwegian resistance fighters in World War II, complements a 10 billion UK-Norway warship deal from September.

Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik and UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who finalized the pact, stated that their nations will "defend themselves together." At least 13 anti-submarine shipsfive from Norwaywill operate jointly in northern Europe, monitoring Russian naval movements between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK, while protecting seabed cables and pipelines vital for communications, energy, and gas supply.

The partnership also includes joint war gaming exercises, deployment of UK-made Sting Ray torpedoes, and Royal Marines training in sub-zero conditions in Norway. Additionally, the two navies will collaborate on developing motherships for unmanned mine-hunting and undersea warfare systems, while the Royal Navy will integrate advanced Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles, capable of striking enemy vessels over 160 km away.

Healey emphasized: "In this new era of threat and with increasing Russian activity in the North Atlantic, our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances." Concerns about potential attacks on undersea infrastructure have intensified following the invasion of Ukraine, highlighting risks to vital communication and energy networks.

UK authorities have also faced criticism for relying heavily on US defence support and for insufficient readiness to protect the UK and its overseas territories. The National Security Strategy Committee has warned that attacks on undersea infrastructure could cause severe disruptions to financial and communication systems.

Author: Connor Blake