England-Norway Forms Joint Fleet To Monitor Russian Submarines

JAKARTA - Britain and Norway announced a historic defense agreement that allows the two countries to operate a joint fleet to track Russian submarines and protect critical underwater infrastructure in the North Atlantic.

The announcement was made to coincide with the visit of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to London.

The agreement, called the Lunna House Agreement, is described as the first in the world.

Under this scheme, the British Navy and the Norwegian Navy will work as a unit by utilizing a fleet of British-made Type 26 anti-submarine frigates that can be exchanged, the British government said in a statement.

The joint fleet will consist of eight British ships and at least five Norwegian vessels, which are also supported by an autonomous system.

The deal comes after the British government reported a 30 percent increase in Russian ship activity deemed threatening British waters in the past two years.

"In the midst of a deep global instability, as more Russian ships are detected in our waters, we must work with international partners to protect national security. This historic agreement with Norway strengthens our ability to maintain the border and vital infrastructure that the two countries support," the UK said in a statement. Antara from Anadolu, Thursday, December 4.

"Through naval cooperation in the North Atlantic, we are increasing security, supporting thousands of jobs in the UK, and displaying the capabilities of our shipping industry on the global stage," the statement continued.

British Defense Minister John Healey and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik are scheduled to sign the agreement at 10 Downing Street before leaving for Portsmouth to meet the UK Maritime Capability Coalition 'Norwegia, which supports Ukraine's training and naval equipment needs.

Under this new arrangement, the joint frigate fleet will patrol the UK's Greenland 'Island' strategic gaps to keep cables and underwater pipes carrying communications, electricity, and gas.

The two navys will share maintenance, technology, and equipment to ensure rapid deployment.

The agreement also includes Britain's participation in Norway's program of developing aircraft carriers for unmanned mine warfare systems and underwater systems, as well as year-long Royal Marines training in Norway.

In addition, it was also agreed to use Norwegian marine attack missiles by the British Navy, deeper collaboration with the Sting Ray torpedo, joint war games, and joint efforts to lead the use of NATO's autonomous systems in the northern region.