The UK and Norway launch joint fleet to monitor Russian submarines.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups:

The United Kingdom and Norway intend to sign a new defense cooperation agreement, stipulating the deployment of a joint fleet of at least 13 frigates, eight British and five Norwegian, to enhance the capabilities of monitoring Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. A statement from the British Ministry of Defense clarified that the fleet will be able to deploy rapidly to protect borders and vital infrastructure, without specifying a date for the start of its deployment. This agreement comes after Norway purchased five "Type 26" frigates from the British "BAE Systems" group, worth £10 billion ($13.4 billion), with the frigates to be delivered starting in 2030. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the 30% increase in Russian submarine activity in British territorial waters over the past two years necessitates strengthening cooperation with allies to ensure national security and protect vital interests. British Defense Secretary John Healey said that the Russian warship "Yantar" was spotted in British waters north of Scotland, pointing to the escalating risks and tensions in the region against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.