UK and Norway to cooperate on MPA
A new cooperation between the UK and Norway on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and exercises will aim to reduce costs and increase operational effectiveness, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on 10 November.
The UK is acquiring nine Boeing P-8 MPA as announced in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The aircraft will be based in Scotland, providing improved situational awareness in key areas of the North Atlantic, and increasing protection of the UK’s new aircraft carriers and nuclear deterrent.
The UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon signed a new agreement at Norway’s Bodø Main Air Station, on host nation support for UK exercises in the country, further increasing the UK and Norway’s ability to exercise, train and operate together.
British armed forces undertake yearly winter training in Norway, particularly 3 Commando Brigade in Harstad and Evenes and elements of Joint Helicopter Command at Bardufoss.
Fallon said: ‘Britain needs MPA to keep watch over the seas. As part of our £178 billion defence equipment programme, 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.’
Work on the UK’s MPA programme is already underway, including the investment on infrastructure in Lossiemouth in Scotland, where the planes will be based.
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