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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.