The United Kingdom has struck its largest-ever warship export deal, securing a £10 billion agreement to supply Norway with at least five advanced Type 26 frigates. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) hailed the deal as a landmark moment for the British defence industry, while Norway described it as its biggest-ever defence investment.
The contract will support more than 4,000 jobs across the UK into the 2030s, including over 2,000 positions at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards where the vessels will be built. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the agreement, saying it would “drive growth and protect national security for working people,” while strengthening cooperation with NATO allies.
The deal will see the Royal Norwegian Navy operate frigates nearly identical to those currently under construction for the Royal Navy, with deliveries expected to begin around 2030. The vessels are designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare, enabling the UK and Norway to operate a combined fleet of 13 frigates along NATO’s northern flank. Defence Secretary John Healey said the arrangement would ensure both navies could “train, operate, deter, and – if necessary – fight together.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that the UK had emerged as both the “most strategic partner” and the provider of the best frigates. The decision marks a significant victory for Britain over competitors France, Germany, and the United States, all of whom had been in contention.
While the deal has been celebrated in London and Glasgow, some Norwegian defence experts voiced concerns. Tor Ivar Strømmen, a naval captain at the Norwegian Naval Academy, argued that French and German frigates offered superior air defence capabilities.
Nevertheless, the announcement represents a major boost for Britain’s defence sector. Beyond the direct shipbuilding jobs, the MoD estimates more than 400 UK businesses including 103 in Scotland will benefit from supply chain contracts. BAE Systems, which recently opened a £300 million state-of-the-art “frigate factory” in Glasgow, is already building eight Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy and has licensed the design to Canada and Australia.
With Russia identified as NATO’s principal threat, particularly in the North Atlantic, the deal underscores the strategic importance of modern naval capabilities. The agreement cements a historic UK-Norwegian partnership while showcasing Britain’s shipbuilding resurgence on the global stage.
