Norway selects UK's Type 26 for frigate programme

An artist's impression of the future Type 26 frigate. Norway is expected to acquire at least five of the type following a selection decision announced on 31 August 2025. (BAE Systems)

The Norwegian government has announced a decision to acquire at least five Type 26 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates in a strategic partnership with the UK worth GBP10 billion (USD13.5 billion). The decision was announced in a press conference on 31 August by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre.

The announcement is Norway's largest ever defence capability investment and the UK's largest ever warship export deal by value. The new ships will be built by BAE Systems in Scotland, with the first Norwegian frigate expected for delivery around 2030.

In April 2024, Norway's Long-term Defence Plan 2025–36 outlined a requirement for at least five ASW frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy's Fridtjof Nansen (Modified F-100)-class frigates. Candidates for the programme from the UK, France, Germany, and the USA were under consideration with the Type 26 ultimately being selected. The Norwegian decision brings to 13 the total number of Type 26s to be built by BAE at its facilities in Govan and Scotstoun on the Clyde. Under current plans, the UK is to procure eight of the Type 26 (also known as the City class), with five having been started. The first, the future HMS Glasgow , is expected to enter service in 2028, with four others at various stages of construction at BAE Systems yards. Adding the five Norwegian vessels, all 13 eventual frigates are expected to operate in the North Atlantic and High North.