Norway and the United Kingdom have signed a new cooperation agreement allowing British military helicopters to operate from Norwegian Armed Forces warships and shore installations, strengthening maritime integration between the two allies. The arrangement helps address Norway’s current shortage of dedicated shipborne helicopters while enhancing joint operational flexibility. The agreement was formalized by Rear Admiral Oliver Berdal, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy, and Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy. It builds upon the broader “Lunna House” defence accord signed in December 2025 to deepen bilateral military ties.
The cooperation follows the eight-month Operation Highmast deployment in 2025, during which the Norwegian frigate KNM Roald Amundsen sailed with a Royal Navy carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales. A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron operated from the Norwegian frigate, with British aircrew integrated into the ship’s company. Personnel involved in the mission were recently awarded Norway’s Medal for International Service. A Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter is currently deployed at Haakonsvern and will participate in Cold Response 26, a major winter exercise in Northern Norway conducted alongside Finland and Sweden.
