£10bn Norwegian partnership
Norway has chosen the UK’s Type 26 frigates in its largest ever defence procurement, a £10 billion deal expected to sustain thousands of British jobs and bolster NATO’s northern defences.
The export agreement will support 4,000 jobs across the UK, including more than 2,000 at BAE Systems’ shipyards in Glasgow, and benefit over 400 companies in the supply chain.
Ministers said the partnership demonstrates how defence can drive growth under the government’s Plan for Change.
Strengthening Nato’s northern flank
The arrangement will see a combined fleet of 13 anti-submarine frigates – eight for Britain and at least five for Norway – operating together across northern Europe.
The vessels are designed to track and defeat hostile submarines, providing protection for critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the deal as “a promise delivered,” adding it would “support well-paid jobs up and down the United Kingdom, from apprentices to engineers,” while reinforcing security for both nations.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre said the choice reflected “a historic strengthening of defence cooperation” between the allies, praising the UK’s proposal as the best fit for his country’s long-term security plans.
Deepening defence ties
The programme will involve joint maintenance, crew training, personnel exchanges and in-service support, cementing closer defence industry links. Both governments will also sign a new defence agreement to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security and deepen collaboration in innovation.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the move confirmed Britain’s industry as “world-leading,” stressing: “With Norway, we will train, operate, deter, and – if necessary – fight together.”
BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn said the selection showed Norway’s confidence in “British industry’s ability to deliver a superior anti-submarine warfare platform.”
Industry and growth impact
The Ministry of Defence estimates the deal will benefit 432 British companies, including more than 200 small and medium-sized enterprises. Supply chain businesses are spread across Scotland, the North West, and the West Midlands.
The Type 26, also selected by Australia and Canada, features advanced sensors, weapons and communications systems, with the flexibility to adapt to emerging threats.
Officials said the agreement marks the UK’s largest ever warship export deal by value and underscores the country’s role as a key defence partner within NATO.
