Norway will participate with a frigate in a British-led carrier group set to sail in the Indo-Pacific in 2025. “This is a significant Norwegian contribution to maintaining security and free navigation at sea,” says Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).
The news that Norway will participate in the British-led carrier group was announced by Gram when he met British Defense Minister John Healey in London on Tuesday.
“This is a major boost for Norway and the Navy. It allows us to strengthen our competence in operating within allied carrier formations. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate that we are capable of operating together with Britain in a region important to our closest allies,” says Gram.
In addition to deploying a frigate, the Norwegian logistics vessel KNM Maud will participate in parts of the journey to the Indo-Pacific. According to Gram, it is also possible for Norway to contribute with even more resources.
“Britain and Norway have acquired many of the same high-tech weapon systems over the past years and we have a strong defense cooperation. The goal is that through this type of military joint training, we will be able to operate as effectively as possible together. This will strengthen both Norwegian and allied defence capabilities,” says the defence minister.
Gram points out that the developments in the Indo-Pacific region are becoming increasingly significant for global security, and that the security political situation in the area has received increased attention in NATO.
“The developments in the Indo-Pacific region also affect Norwegian security. Through participation in the British-led carrier group, we will gain more insight and knowledge about the security political situation in the region,” says Gram.