• The UK and Norway have signed a historic defense agreement for joint naval operations.
• Both nations will deploy a combined fleet to protect critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic.
• The deal responds to a 30% increase in Russian naval activity in UK waters over the past two years.
• Joint operations will include using British-built Type 26 frigates and advanced military technology.
• Royal Marines will receive training in Norway to enhance military preparedness in sub-zero conditions.

The UK and Norway have formally established a defense pact aimed at creating a combined naval fleet to track Russian submarines and safeguard undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic. This alliance is part of the Lunna House Agreement, which will see the two countries operate together using an interchangeable fleet of British-built Type 26 anti-submarine frigates. It's noted that there has been a 30% rise in Russian naval activity in UK waters over the last two years, prompting this strategic collaboration, according to BBC, AA, and CBS News.

The joint fleet will consist of eight British vessels and at least five Norwegian ships, supported by autonomous systems. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the historical significance of this agreement, stating it enhances both nations' capabilities to protect their critical infrastructure while strengthening job support in the UK. Additionally, the agreement enables deeper technology cooperation and shared maintenance between the two navies, facilitating rapid deployment in the event of threats, as reported by LA Times and AA.

The pact also includes provisions for joint training exercises in Arctic conditions and the adoption of Norwegian advanced naval strike missiles by the Royal Navy, enhancing the operational synergy between the two forces. Both countries aim to patrol the strategically important Greenland-Iceland-UK gap to monitor Russian activity and reinforce the security of undersea cables integral to communication and energy infrastructure, according to BBC, CBS News, and LA Times.

This agreement follows a £10 billion deal signed earlier for Norway to procure British-built warships that support this naval initiative. The Lunna House Agreement aims to facilitate collaboration between the UK and Norway in monitoring maritime threats in northern Europe and enhances their defense mechanisms in response to increasing tensions from Russian naval activities, according to AA and CBS News.