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BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship program has another recruit, with Norway announcing a multibillion-dollar deal to acquire “at least” five anti-submarine vessels to be built in the United Kingdom.
Billions of pounds are set to flow into the United Kingdom’s economy following Norway’s decision to acquire British-built Type 26 frigates, in what has become the largest warship export contract in UK history by value.
The £10 billion (AU$20.6 billion) agreement, unveiled today, will see Norway procure advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates based on the Royal Navy’s Type 26 design, delivering a significant boost to the British shipbuilding sector.
The program is expected to sustain around 4,000 jobs nationwide through the 2030s, including more than 2,000 positions at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards. An additional 432 businesses, among them 222 small and medium enterprises, will also benefit across the UK, with Scotland, the North West of England and the West Midlands all playing key roles in the supply chain.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the deal as a milestone for the nation’s defence industry and a clear demonstration of government policy translating into economic growth. “This success is testament to the thousands of people across the country delivering the next generation of capabilities for our Armed Forces while also strengthening national security for the UK, Norway and NATO for years to come,” Prime Minister Starmer said.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, highlighting the shared NATO commitment in the face of growing Russian activity in northern Europe. “Norway and the United Kingdom are close allies with common interests and strong bilateral ties. Purchasing, developing and operating frigates together enables Norway to meet the objectives outlined in our current Long-Term Plan on Defence,” he said.
The move builds on a wave of international confidence in the Type 26 platform, with both Australia and Canada already selecting the design for their future frigate fleets. The partnership will ultimately see a combined force of at least 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates operating between Britain and Norway, significantly bolstering NATO’s northern maritime defences.
British Defence Secretary John Healey said the deal would not only strengthen the alliance but also secure long-term economic benefits. “This confirms Britain’s defence industry as world-leading. It will support thousands of highly skilled jobs for the next 15 years and beyond,” he said.
The agreement also covers shared maintenance, crew training, in-service support and personnel exchanges, deepening defence cooperation between the two nations ahead of a new bilateral security pact due to be signed later this year.
