• Norway selects the UK for a £10 billion deal to acquire new frigates.
• The deal aims to strengthen maritime defenses amid rising tensions with Russia.
• A total of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates will operate jointly between Norway and the UK.
• The acquisition supports thousands of jobs in the UK, particularly in shipbuilding.
• Delivery of the new warships is expected to begin in 2030.

Norway has officially chosen Britain as its strategic partner for the acquisition of new frigates, marking its biggest military investment to date. The contract, valued at approximately £10 billion ($13.51 billion), is designed to enhance Norway's maritime defense capabilities, particularly in monitoring Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic, which is critical given Norway's proximity to Russia's Kola Peninsula base, according to SCMP and Reuters.

The deal will ultimately establish a combined fleet of 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates – consisting of eight British and at least five Norwegian ships – that will operate cooperatively in northern European waters. This arrangement is expected to bolster NATO’s northern flank, significantly enhancing operational capabilities against potential threats from Russia, according to BBC and Reuters.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of these frigates, stating, “The frigates are an essential part of our defence because they are key to defend our sovereignty.” The agreement also guarantees substantial industrial cooperation, equating to the total value of the acquisition, ensuring that Norwegian industry benefits from this strategic partnership, as reported by SCMP and BBC.

This agreement represents a significant victory for the UK defense industry over other nations, including France, Germany, and the United States, and is hailed as the UK's largest-ever warship export deal by value. The deal is also projected to sustain around 4,000 jobs in the UK, particularly in Scotland where the frigates will be constructed at BAE Systems' Glasgow shipyards, according to BBC and Reuters.

With the first deliveries of the new Type 26 frigates expected to commence in 2030, this partnership is set to enhance operational collaboration between Norway and the UK, aligning their efforts under NATO directives for maritime security and regional stability, reports SCMP and BBC.