U.K., France and U.S. agree to increase submarine warfare

Naval leaders from the U.K., France and the U.S. have signed a trilateral cooperation agreement that will allow the three navies to work more closely together – especially in the realms of submarine warfare and carrier operations, a Navy official told USNI News on Monday.

The agreement – signed in London on Monday – marks the start of the three navies working together as the worldwide maritime security has grown more complex in the last several years, read the text of the agreement.

“Our navies share the same global reach and full-range capability from nuclear submarines to power projection. We believe that freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order are fundamental to peace and prosperity. We also share many national security challenges, including the threats posed by violent extremism and the increasing competition from conventional state actors,” the one-page agreement reads.

“More than ever, these threats manifest in the maritime domain. Given these common values, capabilities, and challenges it makes sense for our navies to strengthen our cooperation.”

While the details included in the one-page public agreement are thin, the bulk of the effort will be put toward developing a coordinated strategic picture, aircraft carrier cooperation and anti-submarine warfare operations, the official said.

“It’s first time the three navies have met for a trilateral meeting, discussed maritime instability and friction created by increased competition, regional and international cooperation on [anti-submarine warfare], and opportunities to work closer on future aircraft carrier operations,” the official said.