In a decisive move to counter heightened Russian naval activity, the United Kingdom and Norway are set to sign a historic defence agreement. The pact will establish a combined fleet dedicated to tracking Russian submarines and safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
A Strategic Alliance Forged in the North
The announcement was made as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland on Thursday, 4 December 2025. The leaders were briefed by crews of P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, who have directly monitored provocative Russian actions, including the spy ship Yantar targeting aircraft with lasers.
This new alliance, named the Lunna House agreement after a Second World War Norwegian resistance base in Shetland, is built upon a £10 billion warship deal struck between the two nations in September. The core of the fleet will be advanced Type 26 frigates, at least five of which will be Norwegian, constructed at the BAE Systems yard in Glasgow. In total, the partnership will create a combined force of at least 13 anti-submarine warfare ships.
Protecting the Lifelines of Modern Society
The primary mission of this joint fleet is to monitor Russian naval movements across the key waters between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK – a region often called the GIUK gap. Their focus is the defence of seabed cables and pipelines that are vital for British communications, financial networks, and energy supplies.
The UK Ministry of Defence has reported a 30 per cent increase in sightings of Russian vessels in UK waters over the past two years, underscoring the growing threat. A September report by the National Security Strategy Committee warned that attacks on this undersea infrastructure could cause "catastrophic disruption" to the nation.
Deepening Defence Cooperation
The agreement, to be formally signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik in Downing Street, extends far beyond shipbuilding. Key elements of the enhanced partnership include:
- The UK joining Norway's programme to develop motherships for uncrewed mine-hunting and undersea warfare systems.
- Royal Marines receiving specialised training in Norway for combat in sub-zero Arctic conditions.
- Deeper collaboration on the UK-built Sting Ray torpedo and joint wargaming exercises.
- Leading NATO's adoption of autonomous systems in the High North.
- The Royal Navy adopting advanced Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles, capable of engaging enemy ships at ranges exceeding 100 miles.
Prime Minister Starmer stated: "At this time of profound global instability... we must work with international partners to protect our national security. This historic agreement with Norway strengthens our ability to protect our borders and the critical infrastructure our nations depend on."
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the pact's significance: "In this new era of threat and with increasing Russian activity in the North Atlantic, our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances... We are stepping up on European security and delivering on our NATO-first plan."
The Lunna House agreement marks a significant hardening of the UK and Norway's defensive posture amid ongoing tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflecting a shared commitment to securing the North Atlantic for the future.
