Norway, Britain Sign Defense Deal
NATO allies Britain and Norway agreed to beef up their defense cooperation, including maritime surveillance and joint exercises on Norwegian soil, amid concerns about a more assertive Russia in northern Europe.
The two countries signed the deal during a visit by British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon to Norway's Arctic region, MANA correspondent reported.
Fallon said: “Britain needs Maritime Patrol Aircraft to keep watch over the seas. As part of our £178 billion ($224 billion) defense equipment program, we’ve committed to new maritime patrol aircraft that are able to monitor threats to Britain and our armed forces. By stepping up cooperation with Norway on maritime patrol, we will help keep Britain safer and more secure.”
Norwegian Defence Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide said: “Given our geographical vicinity and common challenges in connection to the strategic situation in the North Atlantic, we are well positioned for future cooperation in maritime surveillance. The continuation of capacity for surveillance and anti-submarine operations are important for NATO and close allies.”
Neighboring Sweden and Finland, which are not in the NATO alliance, have expressed concerns about incursions by Russian submarines and other naval vessels.