The UK has launched negotiations for a major new defence agreement with Norway, aimed at strengthening security in the High North region and deterring Russian aggression.
Defence Secretary John Healey travelled 400km inside the Arctic Circle to initiate talks on the strategic partnership.
The proposed agreement seeks to enhance military cooperation, develop industrial ties and improve capabilities to address shared challenges, including protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
The move comes as the UK takes a leading role in European security and Nato, particularly significant given Russia's continued militarisation of the High North and Arctic regions.
During a visit to the Norwegian-Russian border near Kirkenes, John Healey met with Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik
MOD
During a visit to the Norwegian-Russian border near Kirkenes, John Healey met with Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik.
The two ministers discussed shared security concerns and reinforced their commitment to deterring Russian threats.
They also emphasised the importance of stepping up support for Ukraine during this critical period.
The Defence Ministers visited the UK ship RFA Proteus in Bodø, Norway, where the vessel is stationed ahead of Baltic Sea exercises.
The ship serves as a mothership for drones and remotely operated vehicles, designed to monitor and protect undersea infrastructure.
Both the UK and Norway have intensified their maritime security efforts in the Baltic Sea under Nato's Operation Baltic Sentry.
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The operation includes contributions from UK Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
Speaking from Bodø in sub-zero conditions, both ministers expressed their determination to defend shared interests in an increasingly unstable world.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "Kickstarting work on a deep, ambitious new defence agreement with Norway shows the UK promise to step up on European security in action."
"Norway remains one of the UK's most important allies. We will create a new era of defence partnership to bring us closer than ever before as we tackle increasing threats, strengthen Nato, and boost our security in the High North."
"The UK is determined to play a leadership role on European security, supporting the foundations for our security and prosperity at home and showing our adversaries that we are united in our determination to protect our interests."
The UK has launched negotiations for a major new defence agreement with Norway, aimed at strengthening security in the High North region and deterring Russian aggression
MOD
This joint initiative aims to transform Ukraine's Navy by developing its Black Sea maritime force and constructing new cutting-edge underwater drones.
Both nations are actively involved in training Ukrainian recruits, with over 51,000 men and women having received essential skills to counter Russia's illegal invasion.
Norway will join the UK's Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific this year, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.
A Norwegian frigate will sail alongside the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales throughout the full duration of the deployment.
In preparation for this joint operation, both nations are set to participate in Exercise Tamber Shield in the coming weeks.
