The United Kingdom has finalized a landmark £10 billion agreement with Norway to provide at least five cutting-edge Type 26 frigates, reinforcing defense cooperation amid growing geopolitical concerns and escalating pressures on NATO allies to bolster military expenditures.
The deal, which represents a substantial investment in national security, aims to bolster the Royal Navy’s capabilities and maintain Britain’s position as a leading maritime power.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the agreement will provide a £10 billion boost to the UK economy and support 4,000 jobs across the UK “well into the 2030s”.
The Type 26 frigates will be built at BAE Systems’ shipyards in Glasgow, Scotland, which are already constructing eight of the warships for the Royal Navy.
“This £10bn deal is what our plan for change is about,” said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “Creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people.
The export of our world-leading Type 26 frigates will do exactly that, supporting well-paid jobs up and down the United Kingdom, from apprentices to engineers.”
The deal signals a strengthening of a long-term strategic relationship with Norway, with a combined fleet of 13 frigates operating jointly in northern Europe.
Eight of the frigates will be British, and “at least” five will be Norwegian, with the joint operation designed to “significantly strengthen Nato’s northern flank”.
“This historic defence deal deepens our strategic partnership,” said Defence Secretary John Healey. “With Norway, we will train, operate, deter and – if necessary – fight together.
Our navies will work as one, leading the way in Nato, with this deal putting more world-class warships in the north Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect our critical infrastructure and keep both our nations secure.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that the decision was rooted in both technological superiority and strategic alliance.
“Norway and the United Kingdom are close allies with common interests and strong bilateral ties,” Støre stated. “I am confident that the strategic partnership with the UK for purchasing, developing and operating frigates is the right decision.”
The Type 26 frigate features sophisticated weapons, advanced sensors, and communications, with a design that enables the warship to be upgraded to “counter emerging threats”.
The deal is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the UK, with 432 businesses set to benefit from the project, including 103 in Scotland, 47 in the north-west of England, and 35 in the West Midlands.
Charles Woodburn, the chief executive of BAE Systems, said, “The Norwegian government’s decision reflects its confidence in British industry’s ability to deliver a superior anti-submarine warfare platform, together with systems and equipment, that will support its future maritime security and reinforce its position within Nato.”
The agreement is a significant milestone for British naval defence, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leading maritime power.
The joint operation with Norway will enhance the Royal Navy’s capabilities, allowing it to effectively address future challenges and protect national security.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, this partnership will play a crucial role in maintaining stability and security in the North Atlantic region.