UK and German navies and air force to hunt Russian submarines in Scottish waters

The UK and German navies and air force are ramping up their cyber and military cooperation as they hunt for Russian submarines in Scottish waters.

Defence secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius met at RAF Lossiemouth on Thursday to mark a year since the signing of the Trinity House Agreement.

During the visit, the two defence ministers are expected to join an operational flight on one of the RAF’s Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.

The cutting-edge P-8A can detect, identify, track, and defend against hostile ships and submarines.

In the coming months, one of the Deutsche Marine’s P-8As will visit Lossiemouth for the first time ahead of future joint activity side-by-side with the RAF in the North Atlantic to help locate Russian vessels.

Since the deal was agreed, German companies have committed to invest £800m in the UK defence industry over the next decade, creating 600 skilled jobs.

Defence secretary, John Healey MP, 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.”