The United Kingdom and Norway have signed a new agreement to expand naval cooperation, with a focus on the joint operation of military helicopters.
The pact allows British aircraft to use Norwegian ships and bases, deepening integration between the UK’s Royal Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy in strategic areas such as the High North and the North Atlantic.
Signed in Oslo by the naval chiefs of both countries, the agreement complements the “Lunna House” defense deal signed in December, which предусматриes greater maritime integration, cooperation in the development of future frigates, and joint progress in autonomous systems. The new measure also aims to address an operational limitation of Norway, whose frigates currently operate without embarked helicopters.
In practice, British helicopters will be able to operate from ships of the Norwegian Navy and Coast Guard, as well as remain deployed at bases in the country. According to Norwegian officials, the presence of these aircraft will strengthen response capabilities during exercises and joint missions, increasing interoperability between the forces.
The cooperation builds on the experience of Operation Highmast in 2025, when the frigate KNM Roald Amundsen operated for eight months with the aircraft carrier strike group of HMS Prince of Wales. Since then, Wildcat helicopters have once again been deployed to Norway and will take part in Exercise Cold Response 26, consolidating an integration that is expected to become routine between the two navies.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalNavy | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
