Norway has reached a historic milestone in its effort to modernize naval capabilities and strengthen its role within NATO by becoming the first country to acquire the United Kingdom’s new Type 26 frigates, which will begin joining its Navy from 2030. This deal represents Oslo’s largest-ever investment in maritime defense while also reinforcing its strategic partnership with London in the North Atlantic.
The announcement was made official by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who emphasized that the decision aims to gradually replace the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, in service since the early 2000s and until now the backbone of Norway’s naval defense. The agreement follows long-term planning by Parliament, which had set the urgent need to select a strategic partner for the acquisition, operation, and development of the new vessels.
The UK was chosen after a competitive process that also involved France, Germany, and the United States. According to Støre, all proposals were strong and attractive, but the UK was prioritized for strategic, technical, and historical reasons. The recommendation of Norway’s Armed Forces Chief further strengthened the case for London, cementing a decision with major implications for the defense of both countries.
The contract covers the acquisition of at least five Type 26 frigates, nearly identical to those entering service with the Royal Navy. These ships are designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare and will feature advanced sensors, state-of-the-art weapons systems, and the ability to operate specialized helicopters. This equipment will enable them to play a key role in surveillance, control, and defense operations across the northern European seas, one of NATO’s most strategically sensitive regions.
The agreement also includes an extensive industrial dimension. The UK has guaranteed Norwegian industry’s participation in maintenance, modernization, and support of the new frigates, with an industrial return equal to the total value of the acquisition. Beyond ensuring technology transfer, this cooperation will generate jobs and strengthen Norway’s defense industrial base, integrating it into the UK’s naval ecosystem led by BAE Systems.
The export deal coincides with progress in the UK’s own program: last August, BAE Systems transferred the stern section of the third ship of the class, HMS Belfast, to the new covered hall at Govan shipyard, marking the first Type 26 to be fully assembled indoors. This milestone follows the recent installation of the bow gun on HMS Glasgow, the first ship of the class. Measuring 150 meters in length and displacing 8,000 tons, the frigates will be equipped with a 127 mm Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, a Mk 41 vertical launch system with MBDA Sea Ceptor missiles, and the Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapon system. Their core crew will number 157, with space for an additional 50 personnel, a standard that will also apply to the Norwegian units.
Valued at around £10 billion, this agreement stands as the largest naval export contract in UK history, securing over 4,000 jobs in the industry, particularly at Glasgow shipyards. At the same time, it consolidates the historic naval ties between Oslo and London, forged since World War II.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only
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