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..
Yep the GDP figures for Ireland are surprising but then again when your economy is based on essentially picking the pockets of all your closest neighbours and undercutting their tax returns what do expect 🤷🏼♂️
TBH they should be thrown out of the EU for theft !
We can only hope this indicates the T26 has won the frigate competition – fingers crossed!
Regardless, Norway is an excellent strategic ally. We share a common foe, maritime assets and strategic locations and not to mention Norway has deep pockets with the worlds largest savings account.
Excellent news. Leaving aside the Vikings (?) we have been good allies for a long time.
I’m a little bit worried about the Norwegian type 26 order, will the RN end up handing over some of its production slots to Norway in a bid to sweeten the deal? I hope not. Much prefer just cranking up production
Notice the 4×4 NSM on the image. If that’s for Norway it should be doable for the RN too pre FCASW. It will free up the MK41s for other missiles. It’s beoming quite a punchy ship. See France and Italy are ordering more frigates, so hopefully the UK might give itself a few more just to keep up with your neighbours…lol.
Wonder if the Norwegians will also go with the ASW Merlin helo as don’t they operate the EH101 in the search and rescue variant?
BAE were talking of the Merlin coming as a “package” with T26.
That’ll be some very nice work if the UK gets that too!
Btw did you notice there’s a “sailorgirl” over on the NL site? No relation? Lol.
Any possibility then of JSM for the UK for F35B and P8s with Aus? Will the FCASW have an air-lanuched variant?
FC/ASW will be airlaunched. As I recall it’s scheduled for 2030 on Typhoon. I’ve a feeling they gave up on scheduling it for the F-35, which is a shame, but Tempest would be a no brainer.
Thanks Jon, that must mean it’s taking over from Storm Shadow for land attack plus having ashm ability? If on Typhoon you’d think the P8s should be able to handle it?
Feareth nought, if FC/ASW integration is deemed infeasible of inclusion w/in Block 4 by the JPO/LM brain trust, there evidently remains the option of Block 5. Freakin’ unbelievable…😱🙄
Surely this is another step towards Norway getting T26? It can only be good news.
So far the 4 competing designs have pretty well stuck to obvious partners, Constellation with VAARD (owned by Fincantieri), F127 with Ulstien and FDI with ????.
But T26 BAe now has MOU Kongsberg and Hamek, plus everyone overlooks that the T26 composite masts are all built in Norway by Umoe Mandal.
Draw from that what you will but if HMG and BAe aren’t front runners there’s something we on. The only issue I can see is if the “Little Englander” mob who want all the RN Frigates first stick an oar in it.
Norway. Great Britain’s closest ally in Europe. Culturally, militarily, politically.
Long may this continue.
Not to forget linguistically and to some extent, historically. However, Holland must in the running as well, given our two Royals train together and a certain William of Orange…
European history is quite amazing.
Yes, Holland and of course, Portugal.
As people though, I like the Norwegians.