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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Are Australia’s SSN ambitions ‘sub-optimal’? (Opinion)
Some describe Australia's SSN plans as marking the country's coming of age, but there are still too many questions whether it will work out the way planners imagine.
-
South Korea approves naval minesweeper programme
A new class of minesweeper has been approved for the ROK Navy, while another Daegu-class frigate has been commissioned.
-
Netherlands donating two minehunters to Ukraine
The Netherlands will also supply Kyiv with drone detection radars and M3 bridge and ferrying systems to enable rapid river crossing.
-
Thales teams up for Australian naval sustainment
Thales Australia will partner with USN contractor Orbis Sibro on fleet sustainment operations for the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney.
-
TMKS seeks to leverage Wismar shipyard for F127 bid
German shipbuilder TKMS plans to leverage its new Wismar shipyard for its proposal for the F127 anti-air warfare frigates for the German Navy, using the proven MEKO family design.
-
Australia’s pathway to AUKUS submarines is attended by risk
Australia's journey towards obtaining nuclear-powered attack submarines is fraught with financial, technical and political risk.