The Norwegian Ministry of Defence plans to meet with government officials from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States to identify its strategic partner in replacing the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates with new anti-submarine vessels.
Under a recently approved strategy for the Norwegian Armed Forces, the ministry will acquire at least five new frigates with embarked anti-submarine helicopters through a strategic partnership with an allied country with similar strategic interests to Norway.
“Solid and predictable cooperation on both security and defence policy will be at the heart of the strategic partnership that we envision,” said Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjorn Arlid Gram. “It is therefore essential that we and our partners have the same long-term interests.”
The procurement method involves joint acquisition, operation, maintenance and continuous development and upgrades of the new frigates. Norway also intends to join an existing production line for the vessels to accelerate acquisition and limit the need for enhancements.
According to Gram, the government will consider the opportunity for Norwegian technology and industry to contribute to the development and sustainment of the future frigates in selecting its strategic partner in 2025.