Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Paragraph: 62
P-8A Poseidon cooperation provides successful model for future defence partnerships.
Conclusion
Cooperation around the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which has enabled Norwegian aircraft to be maintained at RAF Lossiemouth, and RAF aircraft to be supported in Norway, has been a success, and provides a model for similar defence cooperation in the future.
Government Response Summary
The government details existing and expanding defence cooperation in the High North, including cold weather training, P8 deployments, and the establishment of a dedicated Littoral Response Group (North), aligning with the successful P-8A cooperation model.
Paragraph Reference:
62
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK’s Defence Contribution to the High North commits the UK to maintain a coherent Defence posture, presence and profile in the region, including training, partnering, and operating from and in the Arctic. We have also committed to do this alongside Allies and partners in the region. Government Response: Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North 9 We are currently expanding our cold weather training with Arctic partners. This includes periodic deployments of our new P8s to the region, further participation in Icelandic Air Policing as well as the establishment of a dedicated Littoral Response Group (North), optimised to operate alongside NATO, JEF and Arctic partners in the High North. Developing Commando Forces’ and Joint Helicopter Command’s1 cold weather warfare interoperability with Norwegian and United States units in Norway is another important High North-focused partnership. It is underpinned by a 10-year plan that generates, prepares, and develops environmental capabilities to operate in the region and support Norwegian crisis planning (Project HEIMDALL). Royal Marines co-operation with Dutch counterparts has the potential to expand the number of participating forces to four. Swedish and Finnish accession to NATO builds on the already strong UK bilateral defence and security relationship, and only strengthens Northern European security. Whether in NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force or bilaterally, the UK is committed to working with Finland and Sweden to align activity, capability, and policy wherever possible. The UK has a strong track record of operating with both the Finnish and Swedish forces and routinely conduct cold-weather training exercises. Scotland’s contribution to defence in the North Atlantic and the High