Norway has selected BAE Systems to supply between five and six advanced frigates under a major defense program, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed on Sunday. The decision is part of a broader strategic partnership with the United Kingdom, strengthening long-standing naval cooperation between the two nations.
The multi-billion contract is valued at around 100 billion kroner ($10 billion), according to local media reports. BAE secured the deal after overcoming competing bids from leading French, German, and American shipbuilders, all of whom had actively courted Oslo’s decision-makers in recent months.
Prime Minister Store highlighted that the choice was influenced by both capability and history, noting that the close integration of the Norwegian and British navies made the British-built frigate the most suitable option. “The British frigate represents the best solution, supported by our deep naval partnership,” he emphasized.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated the announcement, describing it as a £10 billion ($13.5 billion) export agreement that will sustain thousands of jobs across the UK’s shipbuilding sector. He underscored that the program will support not only engineers but also apprentices, reinforcing Britain’s defense industrial base.
