Norway strengthens its fleet: British Type 26 frigates as the backbone of the future naval force
For a record $13.5 billion, Norway has decided to invest in one of the most modern naval platforms of today – British Type 26 frigates. The new vessels are to replace the aging fleet and fundamentally strengthen the capabilities of the Norwegian Navy in the field of anti-submarine warfare and protection of the strategically important North Atlantic.
Norway has long been exposed to a specific security environment. The Arctic border with Russia, proximity to the Barents Sea and the growing activities of the Russian Northern Fleet are forcing Oslo to strengthen its naval capabilities. The current backbone of the fleet – the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates – despite modernization, are no longer sufficient in terms of capacity and technology to meet the challenges brought by the new era of great power rivalry. That is why the Norwegian government has proceeded with the largest naval acquisition in the country’s history. After several years of tendering, the choice fell on the British shipyard BAE Systems and their Type 26 frigates. These are becoming not only the backbone of the future Norwegian Navy, but also a symbol of deeper cooperation with a key European partner – Great Britain. The decision has not only military but also geopolitical significance, as it strengthens Norway’s role as an important player in NATO’s northern wing. Oslo’s intention is to acquire five to six vessels with an identical configuration to that used by the British Royal Navy. This step ensures not only maximum interoperability, but also efficiency in the field of training and logistics. The Norwegian choice thus clearly shows that it is not just a matter of purchasing ships, but also a strategic investment in the long-term security and defense capability of the country.
Technical specifications of Type 26 frigates
Type 26 class frigates, also known as the City class, are among the most modern vessels in contemporary naval architecture. Their main mission is anti-submarine warfare (ASW), but they also offer a wide range of capabilities from air defense to the deployment of strike missiles. Thanks to their modular design and space and power reserves, they represent a platform that is ready for modernization and integration of new systems throughout their entire service life. The ships have a length of almost 150 meters, a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons and a width of over 20 meters. The propulsion uses the CODLOG (Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas) concept, where the Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine provides high power for maneuvers and combat deployment, while electric motors ensure quiet operation during anti-submarine operations. The maximum speed exceeds 26 knots and the operational radius reaches more than 7,000 nautical miles, which allows for long-term operations in the North Atlantic. The crew consists of around 160 sailors, while the ship is also able to accommodate other specialists or landing units.
The armament consists mainly of the Mk 41 VLS vertical launch system, which allows the integration of various types of missiles – from anti-ship to long-range attack missiles. The CAMM Sea Ceptor missile suite is intended for air defense, and the artillery equipment includes the American 127mm Mk 45 cannon. The vessel is also equipped with close-in defense weapons, torpedo tubes and complex systems for deceiving enemy sensors. The key components are the sensors: the Artisan 3D radar, the bow sonar and the Sonar 2087 towed sonar system, thanks to which the frigate is optimized for searching and destroying submarines. Operational flexibility is complemented by a flight deck and a hangar for anti-submarine helicopters, the specific type of which Norway will still choose.
Operational and strategic importance
The inclusion of Type 26 frigates in the Norwegian fleet will fundamentally change the country’s operational capabilities. The main advantage is the ability to conduct effective anti-submarine warfare, which is of particular importance in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. These areas are the traditional home of the Russian Northern Fleet, whose nuclear and conventional submarines are a key element of Russia’s deterrent force. Modern sonar equipment and the quiet operation of the new frigates will allow the Norwegians to more effectively monitor and, if necessary, neutralize these threats, which will strengthen not only their own security, but also the defense of the entire northern wing of NATO. Another important aspect is interoperability with Great Britain and other allies. Norway requires that its frigates be technically practically identical to those deployed by the Royal Navy. This means the ability to share experience, spare parts, training programs and logistical support. In a crisis situation, Norwegian and British ships could operate as a fully compatible unit, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the alliance’s naval forces. From the point of view of NATO strategy, the purchase of the Type 26 is a clear signal that the North Atlantic and the Arctic remain a priority area. Norway is thus positioning itself as a reliable partner that is ready to take responsibility for security in the region. The new frigates will provide the country with the ability not only to defend its own coast and economic zones, but also to actively participate in international operations. Oslo is thus strengthening its position within the alliance and its deterrent capabilities against Russia.
Comparison with previous frigates of the Norwegian fleet
The Royal Norwegian Navy has so far relied mainly on five Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, which entered service between 2006 and 2011. These ships, built in Spain based on the Álvaro de Bazán-class design, were modern in their time and adapted to the needs of the Norwegian Navy. They are equipped with the Aegis system and have solid anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities. However, with the rapid development of technology and the increasing demands for deployment in the Arctic, their limits are becoming increasingly apparent.
The Nansen-class frigates have a displacement of approximately 5,300 tons and a crew of around 120 sailors. Their armament includes a vertical launch system for SM-2 missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes and a 76mm naval gun. Although this was a qualitative leap compared to older vessels, it is now clear that their capabilities are not enough to face modern Russian submarines. Moreover, the operational capabilities of these ships are limited – especially in terms of endurance and long-term patrol capabilities in remote Arctic waters. The new Type 26 frigates represent a significant step forward compared to the Nansens. They are larger, quieter and better equipped for specialized anti-submarine warfare. They have a wider range of sensors, more powerful weapons and, thanks to their modular concept, offer the possibility of continuous modernization. For Norway, they not only mean a replacement, but also a fundamental expansion of operational capabilities – from patrols in the Arctic to the protection of sea routes to active participation in alliance missions in the world’s oceans.
Industrial and economic impact
The acquisition of the Type 26 frigates is not only a military project, but also an economic one. The agreement between Norway and the United Kingdom includes extensive involvement of the Norwegian defense and shipbuilding industry. Norwegian companies will be awarded contracts for the integration of selected sensors, maintenance and, in part, the production of sub-components. This not only increases the country’s self-sufficiency in the field of service, but also brings hundreds of qualified jobs and the transfer of know-how.
The British side welcomes the Norwegian involvement also because it will contribute to wider European cooperation in the production and operation of Type 26 frigates. In addition to the United Kingdom and Norway, these are also being introduced in Australia and Canada, making them one of the most widespread modern ship platforms within Western navies. The involvement of Norwegian industry thus expands the base of partners involved in production and logistics, thereby reducing costs and increasing the availability of spare parts. In addition to the direct financial effect for Norwegian industry, it is also a political signal – investment in defense becomes a long-term commitment of the government, which has a positive impact on the stability of the domestic economy. In the context of growing threats in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, Oslo sends a clear signal that it is ready to combine military and economic power to ensure its security and the security of the entire alliance.
Challenges and questions for the future
Despite official optimistic statements, the project of Norway’s purchase of British frigates is not without question. One of the most important is delivery times. British shipyards are already busy building frigates for the Royal Navy and export customers, including Australia and Canada. Overcapacity can lead to delays, which in practice means that the first Norwegian frigate could be delayed compared to the planned year of 2031. Experience from other programs shows that the schedule for the construction of complex warships is rarely adhered to. Another open topic is the issue of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters. Norway has so far relied on the NH90 machine, the operation of which has long been problematic due to low reliability and logistical complications. These machines were even taken out of service in 2022 and Oslo is currently looking for their replacement. The new Type 31-class frigates are designed to integrate modern Merlin or Seahawk helicopters, so the choice of a new platform will be key to ensuring full ASW capability. The debate over whether Norway will opt for the American MH-60R Seahawk or use the British experience with Merlins is becoming one of the main strategic decisions of the Norwegian Navy.
An equally important factor is funding. The almost 14 billion NOK contract represents an unprecedented burden on the Norwegian defense budget. Although the government argues that it is an investment in ensuring national security and strengthening NATO allied capabilities, the scale of the spending may have a direct impact on other acquisition projects. The modernization of the coast guard, the purchase of new unmanned systems or the expansion of land forces capabilities may be at risk. Oslo will therefore have to carefully balance the needs of individual branches of the armed forces and obligations to allies in the coming years.
Martin Scholz
