London: The UK has announced its largest ever warship export deal by value, agreeing to supply Norway with Type 26 frigates valued at £10 billion (USD 13.5 billion). The Ministry of Defense revealed the deal on Sunday, highlighting the frigates' design specifically for anti-submarine warfare.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Norway's decision to select the UK's Type 26 frigates enhances a longstanding partnership between the two NATO allies. The agreement is aimed at bolstering maritime security amidst rising Russian threats in northern Europe. The Type 26 design, already chosen by the navies of Australia and Canada, boasts sophisticated weaponry, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge communication systems, with a flexible design that allows for future upgrades to address emerging threats.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the significance of the deal, linking it to the government's Plan for Change. He stated that the £10 billion agreement would generate jobs, stimulate growth, and enhance national security. Starmer highlighted the global partnerships forged by the government and expressed confidence that the export of Type 26 frigates would support well-paid jobs throughout the UK, benefiting individuals ranging from apprentices to engineers.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Store expressed his confidence in the strategic partnership with the UK, noting the shared interests and strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Store remarked that this collaboration aligns with Norway's Long-Term Plan on Defence, serving the strategic objectives set by its Parliament.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP underscored the historical alliance between Britain and Norway, which has endured for over 75 years on NATO's northern and north-eastern borders. He described the defence deal as a deepening of the bilateral strategic partnership. Healey highlighted the collaborative training, operations, and deterrence efforts that would be enhanced by the agreement, with the joint naval forces leading NATO efforts to protect critical infrastructure and counter Russian submarine threats in the North Atlantic.