The UK and Norway have agreed a new bilateral defence pact aimed at countering increasing Russian undersea activity in the North Atlantic, the government announced on Thursday.
The agreement, known as the Lunna House Agreement, commits the two NATO allies to closer cooperation in the GIUK gap, the strategic maritime corridor between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom. The route is used by Russia’s Arctic-based Northern Fleet to access the Atlantic Ocean and is regarded by Western officials as a critical zone for detecting submarine movements towards transatlantic shipping lanes and military routes.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the pact reflects a “new era of threat” in the region.
“With increasing Russian activity in the North Atlantic, our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances,” he said.
Expanded Anti-Submarine Cooperation
Under the agreement, the UK and Norway will intensify joint anti-submarine operations, enhance surveillance activity and increase the use of uncrewed underwater and surface systems. Both governments say the measures are designed to protect vital undersea infrastructure, including energy pipelines and communications cables, which have become a growing concern for NATO members.
British officials cited a 30% rise in Russian vessels approaching UK waters in the last two years.
The pact also builds on Norway’s acquisition of British-built Type 26 frigates, specialised for anti-submarine warfare. Together, the two countries will field a combined fleet of at least 13 advanced frigates.
Strengthening NATO’s High North Capabilities
Beyond bilateral operations, the agreement positions the UK and Norway to lead NATO’s adoption of autonomous maritime systems in the High North. Britain will also join a Norwegian programme to develop motherships for uncrewed mine-hunting and undersea warfare systems. The UK will incorporate Norwegian naval strike missiles and expand cooperation on Sting Ray torpedoes.
The enhanced coordination comes amid wider NATO efforts to reinforce anti-submarine capabilities across the North Atlantic. Last week, Iceland approved an expansion of a NATO fuel storage facility near Keflavík International Airport to support allied naval patrols.
Healey said the UK is “stepping up on European security” and delivering on its “NATO-first plan.”
