Norway is in talks with the United States about its acquisition plans for a new long-range, aerial maritime surveillance drone for its forces in the high north.
Anne Marie Aanerud, state secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, told Breaking Defense that the consultation is part of Oslo’s evaluation of potential acquisition options. “As part of the ongoing studies, we have requested additional information on relevant drones from the U.S. authorities,” she said without going into details.
Norway is reportedly considering Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian.
Maritime Surveillance Drones
The Triton high-altitude, long-endurance system can reach 50,000 feet and cover a range of 7,400 nautical miles. Its latest version, which costs $618 million, is equipped with a 360-degree multi-intelligence suite, offers greater effectiveness and requires fewer flight hours than medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft, Northrop said.
In April, Northrop and Norwegian firm Andøya Space formalized a collaboration through a memorandum of understanding to support Oslo’s long-term defense plan. Under the partnership, the two companies will work on developing advanced autonomous maritime ISR capabilities based on the Triton to meet the Nordic nation’s defense requirements.
The other possible option is GA-ASI’s MQ-9B, which is priced at around $38 million per unit. The MQ-9B can fly for more than 40 hours and reach an altitude of 40,000 feet. The flyaway unit can also have a 360-degree maritime radar and an Automated Identification System. According to General Atomics, the MQ-9B is the only drone that can search for and track submarines beneath the surface.
Long-Term Defense Plan
Norway’s drone procurement aligns with its long-term defense plan, which outlines its initiative to invest about $60 billion over the next 12 years to strengthen its armed forces. The investment plan includes expanding satellite and drone capabilities and enhancing the military’s situational awareness, presence and control in the country’s surrounding areas.
According to Aanerud, the timeline for the contract signing is still in the works as the plan’s implementation strategy is ironed out.
The drones will be stationed at the Andoya Air Station north of Norway, which previously housed the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.