The companies said the agreement would build on their long-standing cooperation and support advanced maritime capabilities for the Norwegian and UK militaries. “This agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between KONGSBERG and BAE Systems and between our two nations’ industries,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and UK militaries.”
BAE Systems described the cooperation as a continuation of more than 80 years of collaboration 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,” said Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems.
The agreement comes after the Norwegian Ministry of Defence selected the United Kingdom in 2024 as one of four countries for potential strategic partnership discussions. The partnership would focus on the delivery of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class vessels.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will explore long-term cooperation on current and future joint programmes across military domains. These may include the Vanguard vessel system, strategic partnerships for through-life support of the new frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance and targeting, and ship system deliveries for both nations’ frigates.
