Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and BAE Systems have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen their industrial collaboration in support of the defence needs of Norway, the United Kingdom, and allied nations.
The agreement was formalised onboard HMS St Albans in Oslo on Friday, 9 May.
The move is seen as a strategic step towards bolstering maritime capabilities for both the Norwegian and UK armed forces. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, described the agreement as an opportunity to build on the longstanding partnership between the two companies.
“This agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between KONGSBERG and BAE Systems and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and UK militaries,” Lie said.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the historical ties between the two companies.
“We have worked together with KONGSBERG for more than 80 years, which reflects the strong relationship between the UK and Norway, built over decades of cooperation as close allies and friends. This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and UK armed forces,” he stated.
The agreement is expected to cover long-term cooperation on existing and future joint programmes across various military domains. Key areas identified include the Vanguard vessel system, strategic partnerships for through-life support of the new Norwegian frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance, and targeting systems, as well as ship system deliveries for both nations’ frigate fleets.
This cooperation follows Norway’s 2024 decision to shortlist the UK as one of four countries for discussions on a potential strategic partnership for new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class.
The partnership is also expected to foster job creation, technology transfer, and industrial investment, aiming to benefit both national and international markets through a collaborative approach.
A profoundly close defence relationship between the UK and Norway is such a no brainier and it’s really good to sea the Norwegians taking their defence very seriously.. it’s a shame the nation on other otherside, Ireland does not equally take its own and shared defence seriously..
When you think Ireland has around 20% greater GDP and GDP per head than Norway and has no fast jet or ASW squadron, no large surface combatants or submarines, no heavy armour or heavy brigade in its army and Norway has 52 modern 5th generation fighters in 2 squadrons a squadron of 5 modern long range ASW and patrol aircraft, 6 attack submarines, 4-5 frigates and 6 corvettes, 52 modern MBTs, 220 infantry fighting vehicles, 400 APCs, 170 protected mobility vehicles, 28+ 155mm tracked self propelled guns.. Norway is a decent ally..