Norway Selects BAE Systems' Type-26 Frigates Within Strategic Partnership With The U.K.

Norway has chosen the United Kingdom as its strategic partner for the acquisition of new frigates, confirming plans to buy BAE Systems’ Type-26 vessels.

“Norway and the United Kingdom are close allies, with common interests and strong bilateral ties,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “This partnership enables Norway to reach the strategic objectives our Parliament set out in the current Long-Term Plan on Defence.”

The decision follows months of evaluation of proposals from France, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In November 2024, Norway shortlisted the four for talks on a strategic frigate partnership.

The candidates were France’s FDI, Germany’s F127, the U.K.’s Type 26, and the U.S. Constellation-class.

The Royal Norwegian Navy will now become the fourth operator of the Type 26/Global Combat Ship, after the British Royal Navy (City-class), the Royal Australian Navy (Hunter-class), and the Royal Canadian Navy (CSC/River-class).

The U.K. defence ministry awarded a £4.2bn contract to BAE Systems to manufacture five Type 26 frigates in November 2022.

Industrial cooperation is a central part of the deal. The U.K. has guaranteed opportunities for Norwegian companies equal to the value of the acquisition, supporting local industry and long-term vessel sustainment.

Delivery of the new frigates will begin in 2030.

Type-26 frigate

The British Type-26 frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare, while also providing flexibility for air defense and humanitarian missions. Norway’s ships will mirror the Royal Navy’s specifications, enabling seamless integration, joint training, and shared maintenance. They will operate helicopters with anti-submarine capability, with options for unmanned platforms currently under review.

The Type-26 frigates measure 149.9 meters in length, displace about 7,000 tonnes, and are optimized for anti-submarine warfare. They use a CODLOG propulsion system with a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, allowing speeds above 26 knots and a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Armament includes a 5-inch Mk 45 naval gun, Sea Ceptor air defense missiles, strike-length VLS cells for cruise missiles, Phalanx CIWS, and torpedo launchers. The ships also carry Merlin or Wildcat helicopters with anti-submarine capability. Key systems include Artisan radar, advanced sonar, and a large mission bay for unmanned systems.