Norway is entering into a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom to purchase and develop frigates, announces Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (AP) at a press conference.
According to the government in Oslo, this is Norway's largest defense procurement in modern times, reports NRK. The so-called type 26 frigates are manufactured by the British defense company BAE Systems and can start being delivered in 2030.
The agreement with Norway is worth 10 billion pounds, states the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X. This corresponds to approximately 128 billion kronor.
The frigate purchase is part of Norway's effort to strengthen its defense. According to a plan presented last year, Norway will purchase at least five new frigates and at least five submarines. The army will also grow from one to three brigades, while the number of conscripts, reservists, and home guard soldiers is increased.
Red, one of Prime Minister Gahr Støre's intended support parties after the parliamentary election in September, is however directing criticism at the purchase. The frigates have Israeli subcontractors that deliver equipment to Israel's military, writes NTB.
