UK and Norway to collaborate on subsea threats

The Statement of Intent (SOI) was signed by the NATO allies’ respective defence secretaries at NATO’s Maritime Operations Centre in Northwood, London on May 18. According to the MOD, the two countries will work together on protecting critical energy infrastructure, anti-submarine warfare and subsea protection.

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Though Russia was not mentioned by name by either party, there is increasing concern that the North Atlantic and its subsea infrastructure could become a target as Moscow and the West face off over the war in Ukraine. Both defence ministers pointed to the Nord Stream attacks as evidence that subsea attacks are now a more prevalent threat.  

“Cooperating through the JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) and the Northern Group with our long-standing defence partner and NATO ally Norway, we are heightening our joint capabilities to protect Western critical national infrastructure on the seabed,” said Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace.

“The attack on the Nord Stream pipeline has determined even closer collaboration across our collective assets to detect and defend against subsea threats and ensure continued North Atlantic security.”