UK and Germany pledge to join forces to hunt Russian submarines in North Atlantic

The UK and Germany will join forces to hunt Russian submarines in the North Atlantic.

The move comes a year after both countries pledged to deepen cooperation on defence after signing the Trinity House Agreement.

Closer ties on cyber security have also been announced between the allies to strengthen European and Nato security.

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One of the Deutsche Marine's P-8A Poseidon aircraft will visit RAF Lossiemouth for the first time in the coming months ahead of future joint activity side by side with the RAF in the North Atlantic.

It will operate alongside the UK's fleet of nine maritime patrol aircraft to help defend against Russian aggression.

German crews have already joined aircraft operating from the Scottish base as part of Nato's Baltic Sentry missions.

The countries have also pleaded to work more closely on cyber security enabling them to share data, intelligence and operational tools securely with each other and Nato allies. 

This includes the development of a secure cloud network, a digital system that allows the sharing of information in real time while defending against cyber-attacks. 

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "A year on from the Trinity House Agreement, the UK and Germany are working closer than ever to keep our two countries and Europe safe.

"Together we're strengthening Nato, boosting our cyber defences, and ensuring our armed forces can operate side by side with ease – from patrolling the skies over Scotland to hunting Russian subs in the North Atlantic.  

"This partnership is a cornerstone of European security, demonstrating unity and strength to our adversaries, and keeping us secure at home and strong abroad."