Norway selects British Type 26 frigates in historic billion-euro deal

Norway’s Largest Defence Investment Ever

Norway has decided to purchase at least five British-designed Type 26 frigates for a total price of around 100 billion Norwegian kroner. This move represents the nation’s biggest defence investment to date and will replace its ageing Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.

The ships will be built at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Clyde, Scotland, and are scheduled for delivery starting in 2030. According to the Norwegian government, the ships will be “as identical as possible” to the eight Type 26 frigates set to be delivered to the Royal Navy by 2035.

Closer Ties with the United Kingdom

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre describes the decision as a milestone:

“I am convinced that the partnership with the United Kingdom on the purchase, development, and operation of frigates is the right choice for Norway.”

This purchase enables Norway and the UK to operate a combined fleet of 13 frigates capable of detecting, tracking, and countering submarine threats in the North Atlantic.

Strengthening NATO’s Northern Flank

In both Oslo and London, the acquisition is hailed as a decisive step for NATO. The Royal Navy has called the contract the UK’s largest-ever warship export deal, while Norway emphasises that standardised platforms and weapons systems are crucial, especially in light of lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

General Eirik Kristoffersen has previously stated that Norway cannot stand alone:

“We need the same systems as our allies. We are too small to be the sole user.”

Strategic Leap, But Also Criticism

Experts say Norway’s choice of the Type 26 gives it the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigate. At the same time, there are concerns over the cost and whether other designs might have offered better missile capabilities.

Nevertheless, the agreement represents a strategic leap, tying Norway more closely to the UK and cementing the country’s status as a central player in the defence of the Arctic region and the North Atlantic.

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