UK and Norway begin talks on new defence agreement

12 comments

1. From HMG: [Joint Statement on Enhanced Defence Cooperation between Norway and the United Kingdom](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-statement-on-enhanced-defence-cooperation-between-norway-and-the-united-kingdom/joint-statement-on-enhanced-defence-cooperation-between-norway-and-the-united-kingdom)

   > The UK and Norway are the closest of Allies with a deep history and a powerful defence and security relationship, built upon a shared strategic position and common outlook. We share the same security challenges, increasing threats, and commitment to democracy and the rule of law. We are tied together culturally, historically, economically, and strategically; our defence and security interests are, and will remain, intrinsically linked in the years ahead.
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   We build on strong foundations, which were strengthened by the Joint Declaration on the Norwegian-UK Strategic Partnership, signed by our Prime Ministers on 16 December 2024. Closer defence cooperation is a key building block in that partnership.
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   > The meeting of our Defence Ministers in Norway today kickstarts work towards a deep, ambitious defence agreement between our two nations,in this new era for defence. This will ensure that our two nations together work on common challenges and pursue our common interests.
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   > We will seek to develop closer industrial ties, enhance our capabilities, and strengthen our Armed Forces. We will work to bring our defence industries closer together to boost jobs, growth, and innovation across our two nations.
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   > We will step up our commitment to work together to strengthen Euro-Atlantic Security, in NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force, the Northern Group and other multilateral forums.
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   > The most urgent issue we collectively face is support for Ukraine, who continue to fight against President Putin’s full-scale invasion. Our shared commitment to Ukraine is ironclad, and we will continue our unwavering support for as long as it takes, including through our successful co-leadership of the Maritime Capability Coalition.
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   > We will challenge ourselves across all domains, to further enhance the interoperability and interchangeability of our Armed Forces. In this new era, we will increase our shared understanding of the threats we face through increased intelligence cooperation, joint capability development and enhancing our strategic cooperation in the High North and North Atlantic.
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   > It is at sea where we share the closest bonds, built on our shared geography and history as two of the world’s great seafaring nations. This partnership is typified by Norway’s contribution to the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment this year, and the enduring partnership between our Marines, who have trained together for over 50 years.
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   > While Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine continues, Russian aggression across Europe is also growing. Over many years, Russia has continued to develop capabilities which could target critical national infrastructure. We recognise that Russia is willing to use all means at its disposal to undermine European cohesion and support to Ukraine.
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   > We will work to enhance our ability to protect our critical undersea infrastructure and counter hybrid threats. It is fitting that we have agreed this statement against the backdrop of RFA Proteus and KV Bison, our two dedicated surveillance vessels. These cutting-edge capabilities show how we can together tackle underwater threats.
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   > By using our advanced capabilities today, and developing our joint working into the future, we are able to send a message to anyone who may intend to cause harm to our critical national infrastructure, that we will see you.
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   > Over the coming months, we will work towards our new defence agreement with a determination to sign by summer 2025. We will work government to government, military to military, and industry to industry, to deliver on our shared objectives and strengthen our two nations’ security, as well as NATO’s northern frontline. Through decades of cooperation, we know that we are stronger when we stand together.

2. The thing left unsaid here is this is likely an incredibly good sign for Norway buying a large order of British Type 26 frigates, as they state in their selection process that they want to give the order to a nation who can also offer a strategic partnership alongside the vessels.

   We already know Britain has been shortlisted among the final contenders for the contract.

3. If a peace agreement is made between Russia and the united States it means all sanctions will be lifted. The united States will then force its vassal states the UK and Europe into removing its sanctions of face being sanctioned themselves.

   No need for any more defence pacts, how about starting a little smaller and maybe defend our borders.

4. As a Norwegian, I am excited for this!

   Norway and Britain have been natural allies since 1940, especially since you guys have been willing to forget that whole thing that went down in year 900.

5. Good. Work among ourselves and create more European unity.

6. As a Brit, I just want to say I love Norway and Norwegians, everytime I have been there they have been super friendly and excited to speak to a British person. Love you Norway!!!

7. And so far Norway haven’t even demanded a Youth Mobility Scheme in return.  Interesting.

8. As an English guy that emigrated to Norway, reading the comments has made me so happy. We have had a proper friendship and respect for each other for centuries, and moving here made me realize just how close our cultures really are. Wishing you all the best and good luck out there 🙂

9. We have a deep affinity for Norway, and a shared history of fighting for the right thing. It’s good to see we’re pivoting to deepening our relationship with our neighbours on the North Sea, due to their closer proximity too. We’ll need to be ever more vigilant about our shared ocean in future, so it’s promising to see us start to take this new world we find ourselves in more seriously.

   (We’ll trade you a Frigate for it’s weight in Kvikk Lunsj?)

10. Makes sense given the huge reliance we have on energy interconnectors from norway

11. Finally some sensible equipment procurement by Norway on the horizon. While the UK and Norway have been close allies I was glad to see JEF come to life and even happier with this news.

12. Good news! Nice to see this instead of the usual bashing of the UK atm!

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