The United Kingdom is a close strategic ally and partner of Norway. Together with the UK and other key allies, we maintain strong cooperation to safeguard and secure critical undersea infrastructure, as well as in defense, intelligence, and surveillance.

In recent weeks, Russia has conducted activities in and near Norwegian and British waters. These operations were carried out by the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI), a high-priority unit within the Russian Armed Forces. This demonstrates Russia’s ongoing efforts to develop capabilities for mapping—and potentially sabotaging—Western critical infrastructure at significant depths.

Such actions underscore Russia’s persistent ambition to threaten the interests of Norway and our allies.

Norway has participated in a coordinated military operation with our allies to send a clear message: covert activities in our waters will not be tolerated. The Norwegian Armed Forces deployed a maritime patrol aircraft (P-8) and a frigate as part of this effort, which serves both as deterrence and defense.

We have made it unequivocally clear to Russian authorities that any attempt to target our critical infrastructure will be detected and met with consequences. It is in no one’s interest to escalate tensions in the High North.