Norway Could Join Royal Navy Type 26 Frigate Build
Norway is assessing whether it can take delivery of one or more Type 26 frigates already in build for the United Kingdom, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed in a written answer this week.
The Type 26, or City-class, is the Royal Navy’s next-generation anti-submarine warfare frigate. The UK plans to build eight vessels to replace its ageing Type 23 frigates through the late 2020s and early 2030s.
Norway has previously selected the Type 26 design as the basis of its future frigate force to replace the Fridtjof Nansen-class, in a deal announced in August 2025. That agreement calls for a minimum of five frigates and represents one of Oslo’s largest defence investments.
UK Confirms Build Slot Talks
In the written parliamentary response, the MoD said it was assessing whether Norway could take “in-build” Royal Navy hulls. The programme remains on schedule to deliver the planned Royal Navy fleet, the ministry said.
Officials noted that all ships are expected to enter service from the late 2020s with the advantage of operating alongside up to six identical Royal Norwegian Navy vessels.
Strategic and Operational Context
Norway’s move to align its frigate procurement with the UK has broader strategic aims. Common platforms enhance interoperability for NATO operations in the North Atlantic and High North, where Russian submarine activity is a key focus.
In December 2025, London and Oslo agreed a wider naval cooperation framework that includes shared training, capability development, and future systems integration under the Lunna House Agreement.
Industrial Partnership and Timelines
The integration of Norwegian ships into the UK production line could shorten Norway’s delivery timeline, which aims for an initial frigate by the late 2020s. Discussions are underway about how UK and Norwegian industrial partners will participate in the extended supply chain.
BAE Systems, the prime contractor for the Type 26 programme, has previously signed memoranda with Norwegian yards to support future cooperation.
NATO Implications
A combined fleet of UK and Norwegian Type 26 frigates strengthens NATO’s anti-submarine posture on its northern flank. Identical designs simplify logistics, maintenance, and joint operations, key advantages in contested maritime environments.
Norway’s order also underscores allied efforts to modernize warship fleets across Europe, with similar programmes under way in Canada and Australia.
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