Defence Secretary meets with Nordic-Baltic defence ministers

13 Nov 2014 12:56 PM

Michael Fallon will discuss the consequences of the crisis in Ukraine and recent incursions by the Russians into European air and sea space.

The group, known as the Northern Group, provides a key forum for discussion of common threats and security issues of particular interest to the Nordic-Baltic region.

Tomorrow’s meeting comes at a time of increased Russian military activity with more than 100 intercepts recorded in European airspace so far this year – 3 times the total in 2013.

Discussions are expected to include a focus on European security challenges and how the Northern Group, which meets twice a year at defence minister level, can better co-operate to strengthen this.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

The Northern Group provides a key platform to help shape and deliver Europe’s and NATO’s response to the security implications of Russia’s indefensible actions in Ukraine and whose incursions of European air and sea space have increased.

It is absolutely vital that like-minded countries come together to discuss how we face such issues and other matters of shared interest and I look forward to doing so tomorrow.

En route to Oslo Michael Fallon has visited RAF Lossiemouth yesterday to view the fighters and crews which defend UK airspace and have intercepted Russian aircraft over the North Sea in recent weeks.

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