The United Kingdom and Norway are intensifying naval cooperation in the North Atlantic in response to a 30% rise in Russian naval activity near UK waters over the
past two years, the UK Defence Journal reports.
The announcement coincided with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre’s visit to RAF Lossiemouth, where he met with maritime patrol crews tracking Russian vessels, including the intelligence ship *Yantar*.
At the heart of the agreement, known as the Lunna House Agreement, is closer collaboration centered on the forthcoming British-built Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, which will be operated by both navies. The pact aims to create a fully interoperable force capable of monitoring Russian submarine movements and safeguarding undersea infrastructure such as pipelines and data cables.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the rise in Russian activity highlights the need for tighter collaboration. “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,” he said. “This historic agreement with Norway strengthens our ability to protect our borders and the critical infrastructure our nations depend on.”
The agreement builds on a September deal in which Norway ordered at least five Type 26 frigates, joining the UK’s eight-ship programme. The government described it as the largest British warship export contract to date, supporting over 4,000 jobs.
Defence Secretary John Healey framed the enhanced cooperation as part of a broader strategy to reinforce northern security. “In this new era of threat and with increasing Russian activity in the North Atlantic, our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances,” he said. “For over 75 years, the UK and Norway have stood shoulder to shoulder on NATO’s northern flank. Under this new framework, our forces will patrol the North Atlantic as one, train together in the Arctic, and develop the advanced equipment that will keep our citizens safe.”
The agreement also expands industrial and technological collaboration. London will participate in Norway’s programme to develop offshore support vessels that will serve as motherships for uncrewed minehunting and undersea-warfare systems, accelerating NATO’s shift toward autonomous capabilities in the strategically sensitive High North.
Other initiatives include year-round Royal Marines cold-weather training in Norway, expanded collaboration on Sting Ray torpedoes, adoption of Norwegian naval strike missiles for Royal Navy ships, and joint wargaming exercises to align operational planning. Photo by user:ZorroIII, Wikimedia commons.
