Norway to join UK's Carrier Strike Group global deployment to Indo-Pacific region in 2025

Joining the UK's Carrier Strike Group deployment to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region in 2025 will be key Nato partner Norway.

Defence Secretary John Healey made the announcement while welcoming his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram to London.

The ministers reportedly discussed the maritime deployment, industrial collaboration, support to Ukraine and the "urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East".

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Led by HMS Prince of Wales, the Carrier Strike Group will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Norway is a long-standing Nato ally, and part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and Northern Group, while also being a strong trade partner with the UK.

"Their involvement will bolster the strike group with two ships, including one frigate, demonstrating that the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and Indo-Pacific is indivisible," said the MOD.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "This Government is determined to strengthen our partnerships with European allies to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.   

"As a close strategic partner, we are delighted to have the Norwegian navy join the Royal Navy on this historic deployment.  

"It's an exciting demonstration of the strength of our nations' maritime partnership and the deepening of our relationship in the months and years to come."

Norwegian defence secretary Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the UK as Norway's "closest and most important European ally".

He added: "With this joint deployment we are developing this co-operation even further. The Indo-Pacific is an area of growing importance for global security and stability, also for Europe.

"During this deployment, we will be able to operate with Nato and other important partners in this part of the world."

The Norwegian defence secretary also highlighted how the deployment would help their armed forces develop skills and proficiency by taking part in allied carrier operations.

"This is critically important for our national defence," he said.

The Indo-Pacific region has been recently bolstered by the Royal Navy's persistent presence through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar.

This latest deployment will last for around seven months and bring a range of military, security and prosperity benefits for the UK and participating nations.

A Carrier Strike Group is a versatile and lethal resource that few countries possess. Always led by an aircraft carrier embarked with F-35B Lightning jets, the rest of the UK formation can be made up of submarines, warships and support vessels, including from other allied navies.

It will offer cutting-edge air, surface and underwater defence, but it is also a focal point for delivering wider strategic objectives.