Norway has selected BAE Systems to build five to six new frigates under a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Sunday.
The deal, estimated at 100 billion kroner ($10 billion), makes it one of Norway’s largest defense contracts. BAE won against rival proposals from France, Germany, and the United States, whose leaders had lobbied Norway directly in recent months.
“Our close naval ties with Britain and the strong capabilities of their frigates convinced us that the British design was the best choice,” Støre said.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the agreement in a social media post, calling it a £10 billion ($13.5 billion) deal that will deliver Type 26 frigates to Norway while supporting thousands of British jobs, from apprentices to engineers.
