Unique Norway-UK Cooperation on Maritime Surveillance in the High North

Two British P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft take off from Evenes Air Station, Northern Norway. Recently, they have been operating from the station as part of a training programme. A new contingent will arrive shortly.

"In total, three British squadrons will conduct deployment training here at Evenes during August," says Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Fremo, Senior National Representative for Norwegian personnel undertaking training at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Together with the commander of 133 Air Wing at Evenes, Colonel Lasse Berg, Fremo describes a very close Norwegian-British cooperation on the P-8.  

 "A number of allies have now purchased the P-8. Norway, the UK and Germany operate these aircraft, while Denmark and Canada have ordered them. Cooperation between us within the framework of is important as we are to carry out the same mission of keeping track of what is happening in the High North, and in this field, the British and we have come the furthest," says Berg.

Mixed crews

"Norwegian P-8 crews now receive more of their basic training with the Royal Air Force at Lossiemouth, and parts of this training programme, including for British crews, are also conducted from Evenes," the air wing commander says, continuing:

"As an extension of this, we have carried out patrol missions with crews made up of both British and Norwegian personnel. This is completely unique in the context of maritime patrol aircraft and says something about how far we have come with Norwegian-British integration."

Fremo, who has himself taken part in such missions, elaborates on the benefits.

"The focus is on efficiency. Previously, when a British P-8 came to Norway with a crew, that crew could only carry out one mission before having to rest. Now, an aircraft can fly with a crew in which half are British and the other half Norwegian, and after landing, a new mixed crew can take over. This allows us to get more out of the aircraft," he says.

"This is also only the beginning of how closely we can work together. After the prime ministers of Norway and the UK signed the Lunna House defence agreement in December 2025, there is strong momentum to further develop the cooperation," Fremo adds. 

Major joint submarine hunt

This spring, the defense ministers of the United Kingdom and Norway announced that the countries' forces had carried out a major joint operation to monitor Russian submarines from the Kola Peninsula.

Several P-8 aircraft and frigates from both countries were involved.

"The operation continued around the clock for several weeks, with Norwegian and British aircraft taking turns monitoring the submarines. One of the British P-8 aircraft also had Norwegian personnel on board who were undertaking training in Lossiemouth at the time. This meant there were Norwegian voices on both sides when the British aircraft handed the mission over to the Norwegian aircraft. It was very special," Fremo recounts.

It was also special that the ministers publicly disclosed information about the operation, Berg points out.

"Missions related to submarine activity in the North Atlantic and the High North have always been characterised by considerable secrecy. The fact that the defence ministers have now chosen to be somewhat more open about our monitoring of what is happening is a clear message to our neighbour in the east," says the air wing commander, continuing:

"This is also a recognition of the community that has carried out this type of mission for decades. In my view, this recognition is important and thoroughly deserved."

Taking greater responsibility

At NATO's defence ministers' meeting in June, Norway, the UK and Germany entered into an agreement under which they assume greater responsibility for monitoring and tracking submarine activity in the North Atlantic and the High North.

The aim is to strengthen NATO's anti-submarine warfare capability, respond to Russian submarine activity and reduce pressure on US capabilities. 

In this context, Norway and Germany wish to develop operational cooperation on maritime patrol aircraft – and in July, a German P-8 landed at Evenes for the first time. The purpose of the visit was to explore the possibilities for conducting or supporting German P-8 operations from this air station.

"It is an important milestone in itself that one of the first things the Germans do after receiving their P-8 aircraft is to come here to Evenes. We envisage close and good cooperation with our German colleagues going forward," says Berg.

"The US is, of course, still very important in this surveillance cooperation. At the same time, we see statements from the American side that Europe must take greater responsibility, and we are pleased to report that this is precisely what we are doing with the P-8 aircraft," he adds. 

In-demand expertise

"In the wider picture, we see increased interest and presence from allies in the High North. At the same time, it is in Norway's interest that we maintain our presence and remain the predictable neighbour we have been for all these years," says the air wing commander, continuing:

"In other words, there is no question of us handing over the task of being NATO's eyes and ears in the north. However, it is also in our interest that our allies can operate and cooperate side by side with us in an Arctic operational environment, and this is happening more and more."

As part of this, Norwegian experience of operating maritime patrol aircraft under Arctic conditions is in high demand.

"Norway is clearly leading the way in winter operations, and we work closely with other countries to share our experience. For example, Canada, which is now acquiring P-8s, is very interested in learning how we operate during the winter in the north. This concerns both how to take off and land safely, but also how to track submarines in ice-covered waters," Fremo elaborates.  

Rapid development

In recent years, Evenes Air Station, the main base for Norwegian P-8 aircraft, has also gained increased capacity for national activities and the reception of allies.

"Since the start of 2020 – when the 133 Air Wing was established here – there has been enormous development at the station, and the build-up continues," says Berg.

"On 10 November, we will officially mark the handover of the new squadron building for our maritime patrol aircraft. This includes hangars and office facilities for the aircraft squadron and maintenance personnel, as well as parking areas for the aircraft. Our allies will also be able to use this infrastructure."

"Existing facilities for operating P-8 aircraft will also be made even more available to allies when we bring our new area into use," he adds.

In addition to the expansion of hangars and aircraft operating surfaces, Evenes has also gained new quarters, welfare and sports buildings, an infirmary, guardhouse and perimeter. Plans for the future include the construction of a building with a simulator for the P-8.

Potential US investments

 "This investment in buildings and facilities enables us to deliver at an entirely new level. At the same time, there is potential to develop the station further, which could also take place in cooperation with the US," says Berg.

He is referring to the fact that Evenes Air Station has been a Norwegian-US agreed area under the countries' bilateral defence cooperation agreement since 2022.

"There is an ongoing process concerning US investments in infrastructure at Evenes, but no final decision has been made. We would warmly welcome any US establishment."

“That said, the Americans have already been here on several occasions and operated from the facilities we can offer. New infrastructure is therefore not necessary, but it will provide greater opportunities for operations in the future,” the air wing commander points out.

Hosting QRA

The development of Evenes has also included upgrades to shelters for fighter jets, Berg says.

The station serves as a forward base for Norwegian F-35 fighters carrying out NATO’s mission of continuous fighter aircraft readiness (Quick Reaction Alert). The mission is led by the alliance’s new Combined Air Operations Centre in Bodø, Northern Norway.

“This year, we have seen a significantly higher number of F-35 scrambles compared with previous years. This also reflects increased Russian activity in our neighbouring areas, which the fighter aircraft also help to monitor,” he notes.

As of 2 July, F-35s has scrambled 61 times this year and identified 81 aircraft. By comparison, last year saw 41 scrambles and 53 aircraft identified.

Base defence

In light of the air station’s important roles, its defences are also being strengthened.

“We will receive new air defence equipment in the period ahead, which will take our NASAMS air defence system to a new level,” says the air wing commander, continuing:

“In addition, significant investments have been made in infrastructure to protect the station and our ability to operate maritime patrol aircraft and fighter jets. We also have a base defence battalion, and when it comes to maintaining control outside the base, we have important cooperation with, among others, the Home Guard.”

Along with Ørland Air Station in Mid-Norway, Evenes has also received a drone defence system.

“These days, there is considerable focus on dealing with the threat posed by drones. We are in the process of implementing and further developing a system to maintain good control over what is happening in the airspace around our station, including effectors to neutralise any drone threats. The project is well under way,” Berg says.