The US Navy, British Royal Navy and France's Marine Nationale have signed an agreement to ensure continued security at sea.

The three navies will work both together and independently under the new deal in order to address current and future security challenges posed by violent extremism. The agreement will also allow the partners to conduct Carrier Strike Group operations.

First Sea Lord and chief of naval staff admiral Sir Philip Jones said: “The world is becoming more competitive and less stable, which is why it is instinctive for Nato’s three strongest navies to come together regularly to review how we can provide leadership and example to assist in the maintenance of security and stability at sea, and the upholding of the rule of law.

“France and the United States are the United Kingdom’s two most important defence partners, and it has been my privilege to host my counterparts, admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations, and admiral Christophe Prazuck, Chef d'Etat Major de la Marine, in London for this historic meeting.

"This agreement between our navies is a sign of their confidence in the Royal Navy’s ability to fight alongside them in the most demanding scenarios."

"Our agreement to strengthen the cooperation between our navies is a sign of their confidence in the Royal Navy’s ability to fight alongside them in the most demanding scenarios."

The Royal Navy noted that the three navies share the same global reach and full-range capability from nuclear submarines to power projection.

These navies have regularly operated together worldwide and said there is scope for more joint operations, as well as enhanced cooperation in the undersea domain and power projection.

Image: Left to right, Admiral Christophe Prazuck Marine Nationale's Chief of Navy, Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC, The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff and Admiral John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations US Navy signing the 2017 Trilateral Maritime Talks document. Photo: courtesy of the British Royal Navy.