Norwegian Frigates: A $13.5 Billion Deal for British-Made Frigates to be Built in Glasgow

Norway has chosen Britain as its strategic partner for a landmark acquisition of new frigates, marking the country’s largest-ever military investment. The Norwegian Frigates, valued at approximately $13.51 billion (£10 billion), aims to boost Norway’s maritime defense capabilities, especially in monitoring Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic.

Key Takeaways (Norwegian Frigates to be built in the UK)

• Norway chooses Britain over Germany, France, and the United States for its new frigate acquisition.

• The deal is worth an estimated $13.51 billion (£10 billion).

• The frigates will be crucial for monitoring Russian submarines in the Arctic.

• The agreement will support approximately 4,000 jobs in the United Kingdom, with a significant portion in Scotland.

• The acquisition represents Norway’s largest military investment to date.

Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Maritime Security

Norway’s decision to partner with Britain for its new frigate fleet highlights a deepening strategic alliance. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the crucial role these vessels will play in defending the country’s sovereignty, stating, “The frigates are an essential part of our defense because they are key to defend our sovereignty.” Norway, a NATO member that shares a border with Russia, is increasing its defense spending in response to geopolitical shifts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for increased NATO membership contributions.

The Norwegian Frigates will Boost Naval Capabilities and Economic Ties

Based on the British BAE Systems’ Type 26 City-class design, the newly acquired frigates will strengthen Norway’s ability to monitor the extensive North Atlantic region, a crucial operational area for Russia’s northern fleet. An important element of the agreement is the planned joint operation of a combined fleet of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates—eight British and at least five Norwegian—in northern Europe. This collaboration aims to improve collective security and deterrence.

Economic Impact and Future Negotiations

The agreement is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for the United Kingdom, supporting approximately 4,000 jobs, with over 2,000 jobs expected in Scotland’s shipbuilding industry. The Norwegian government also highlighted that the draft agreement ensures industrial cooperation with Norwegian industry worth the total value of the acquisition. Norway currently operates four frigates and previously indicated a need for up to six new vessels. Prime Minister Gahr Stoere noted that the country is now entering final contract negotiations for what is its most significant procurement to date.

Sources

• Norway selects British-made frigates to beef up maritime defence in $13.5 bln deal, Reuters.

• Norway selects British-made frigates to beef up maritime defense in $13.5 billion deal, CNN.

• Norway selects British-made frigates to beef up maritime defence in $13.5 billion deal, AOL.com.

• Norwegian warships to be built in Glasgow in £10bn deal, Yahoo News UK.

• Norway Selects Britain for $13.5 Billion Frigate Deal to Enhance Maritime Defense, SSBCrack.