Cooperation on new rescue helicopters

Iceland and Norway have signed a cooperation agreement concerning the acquisition of new rescue helicopters. Cooperation with Iceland will ensure better emergency preparedness in the North Atlantic and will also be advantageous with regard to pricing and development of equipment. Norway will in any case have a free hand in choosing rescue helicopters.

“This agreement facilitates a cooperation between Norway and Iceland in buying the most suitable rescue helicopters for both countries. It will improve safety for activities in the sea between Norway and Iceland. Any serious incident will require good capacity, cooperation and coordination,” says Minister of Justice Knut Storberget. 

On account of the USA’s withdrawal from Iceland and the Keflavik base, Iceland will now have to buy new rescue helicopters. Since Norway also is in such an acquisition process, the ministries of the two countries have entered into a cooperation agreement regarding the acquisition.

“The Government wants to be active in the northern areas through increased emergency preparedness and closer international cooperation,” says Minister of Justice Storberget.

Cooperation with Iceland is likely to bring about several advantageous synergy effects, particularly concerning the price of the helicopters and equipment development, but also with regard to long-term operational cooperation.

Further reading:

Cooperation agreement (external link)
Memorandum of understanding between Norway and Iceland (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)