The United Kingdom has secured its largest-ever warship export deal by value after Norway confirmed it will purchase British-built Type 26 frigates in a £10 billion agreement. The deal is expected to support thousands of UK jobs, boost the economy, and strengthen NATO’s defences in northern Europe.

Under the agreement, Norway will buy at least five Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, which will operate alongside the Royal Navy’s eight ships of the same class. Together, the two fleets will create a powerful force of 13 advanced frigates designed to track and defeat hostile submarines.

The programme is set to sustain around 4,000 jobs across the UK until the 2030s, with more than 2,000 based at BAE Systems’ shipyards in Glasgow. In total, more than 400 British companies are expected to benefit, including 222 small and medium-sized enterprises. These include 103 firms in Scotland, 47 in the North West of England, and 35 in the West Midlands.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deal as a demonstration of the government’s plan to create jobs and protect national security.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre called the choice of the UK a “strategic partnership,” noting that it followed a competitive process involving proposals from France, Germany, and the United States. He said the decision would help Norway meet the objectives set out in its long-term defence plan.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the long-standing partnership between the two countries, noting that Britain and Norway have worked together for over 75 years to secure NATO’s northern frontiers. He added that the agreement will allow their navies to train, operate, and deter threats jointly, with the ships playing a key role in protecting vital undersea infrastructure.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, said the contract demonstrated Norway’s confidence in British industry’s ability to deliver world-class naval capability.

The Type 26 frigate is equipped with advanced sensors, cutting-edge communications, and sophisticated weapons systems. Its flexible design allows for future upgrades, ensuring the ships can adapt to emerging threats in the decades ahead.

The deal further deepens cooperation between the UK and Norway within NATO. Norway is also set to participate in the UK Carrier Strike Group’s full deployment in 2025 and is working with the UK and allies to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure in northern Europe.

Reference: UK gov

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