Norway and the UK have signed a cooperation agreement permitting British military helicopters to embark on Norwegian Armed Forces warships and deploy from the service’s installations.
The agreement expands maritime integration between the two allies while addressing the Scandinavian country’s current lack of organic shipborne helicopters.
The accord builds on the “Lunna House” defense agreement signed in December 2025 to deepen Norway and UK bilateral relations.
It was signed by Rear Adm. Oliver Berdal, chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy, and Adm. Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.
“The UK is one of our most important allies and we have become more closely integrated in several areas recently,” Berdal said.
“This agreement makes it possible for British helicopters to embark Norwegian naval and coast guard vessels and ensures effective integration in joint operations and exercises.”
Validation and Future
The pact follows the eight-month Operation Highmast in 2025, when the Norwegian frigate KNM Roald Amundsen deployed 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 vessel, with UK aircrew integrated into the ship’s company.
British personnel who participated in that event this week received Norway’s Medal for International Service.
“We learned a lot from having embarked British Wildcat helicopters during Operation Highmast,” Berdal stated.
“Now we have the opportunity to build on these experiences and further develop operational concepts.”
Another UK Royal Navy Wildcat is now stationed at Haakonsvern and will take part in the upcoming Cold Response 26, an Oslo-led winter exercise that will be held in Northern Norway in collaboration with Finland and Sweden.
