Norway-UK ink £10bn arms deal for type 26 anti-submarine warship

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
1 Sep 2025 15:00

London and Oslo have finalized a £10bn arms deal for the construction of Type 26 anti-submarine warships, marking the UK’s largest warship export contract and Norway’s biggest defense procurement.

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HMS Glasgow preparing to leave Govan for the first time, November 27, 2022 (HMS Glasgow via Wikimedia)

The UK Ministry of Defense announced that Norway has agreed to purchase Type 26 frigates in a £10 billion contract, the UK’s largest-ever warship export deal and Norway’s biggest defense procurement.

The programme will support 4,000 jobs across the United Kingdom and boost its economy well into the 2030s.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as “a year of change,” saying the agreement creates jobs, drives growth, and protects national security.

The warships will be built at BAE Systems shipyards in Glasgow, where eight Type 26 frigates are already under construction for the Royal Navy. The programme will support more than 400 businesses, including suppliers across Scotland, the north-west of England, and the West Midlands.

BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn said the deal reflected “confidence in British industry’s ability to deliver a superior anti-submarine warfare platform.”

Strengthening NATO’s northern flank

As part of the agreement, the UK and Norway will jointly operate a fleet of 13 Type 26 frigates in northern Europe. Eight will serve in the Royal Navy, while at least five will be operated by Norway.

Defense Secretary John Healey called it a “historic defense deal” that ensures the two nations will “train, operate, deter and, if necessary, fight together.” The ships will strengthen NATO’s northern flank by hunting Russian submarines and protecting critical infrastructure.

Norway’s commitment to bilateral defense ties

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the agreement was the “right decision,” highlighting the close bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and Norway. The two countries have already cooperated on safeguarding undersea infrastructure and joint naval deployments.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray added that the deal highlighted the “tremendous success” of Scotland’s shipbuilding industry.

The Type 26 frigates are designed for advanced anti-submarine warfare, with cutting-edge sensors, communications, and weapons systems. According to the Ministry of Defense, the design allows for upgrades to meet “emerging threats,” ensuring long-term maritime security for both the UK and Norway within the NATO framework.