The UK government has finalized a £10 billion deal to supply the Norwegian navy with a minimum of five Type 26 frigates. This agreement is noted as the UK’s largest warship export deal by value, and Norway has highlighted it as their most significant defense capability investment to date. The deal is projected to sustain 4,000 jobs in the UK through the 2030s, with over 2,000 positions at BAE Systems’ shipyards in Glasgow, where the frigates will be constructed.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the agreement aims to enhance growth and national security for UK workers. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also reported that more than 400 British businesses, including 103 in Scotland, are expected to benefit from the contract. However, some Norwegian experts criticized the decision, suggesting that French and German frigates may have superior capabilities.
The agreement would establish a UK-Norwegian fleet of 13 anti-submarine frigates, bolstering NATO’s northern defense posture. The Type 26 frigates for Norway will mirror those of the UK in design and specifications, tailored for submarine detection and engagement, with initial deliveries slated for 2030.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey indicated that the new partnership would facilitate collaborative training and operations between the UK and Norway. The decision has been described by Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre as a historic enhancement of defense cooperation between the two nations, confirming that the UK was evaluated as the most strategic partner.
Two Type 26 frigates are already being constructed for the Royal Navy, with several more under development. BAE Systems has also initiated a significant modernization project at its Glasgow facility, which includes a new shipbuilding hall designed for increased production capacity.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5rgdpvn63o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss