Norway to renew naval forces within a decade
The Fridtjof Nansen-class were built in Spain by Navantia and have been the main surface combatants of the RNoN fleet. Commissioned from 2006–11 they have been deemed insufficient for future operations which will require more multi-domain capabilities and will be replaced. (Photo:RNoN)
The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) will be almost completely overhauled and replaced with new ships and submarines in a timeframe of about 10 years.
The launch of the Norway’s Long Term Defence Plan (LTDP) 2025–36 has seen the Scandinavian country announce plans to introduce new warships and surface ships to enhance the capability of the RNoN.
These plans include the introduction of at least five new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates built under ‘strategic cooperation’ with a close ally along with new ASW helicopters that will operate from them. There will be an option for a sixth.
The RNoN will also receive 28 new ‘Standardised Vessels’ in two different classes: 18 medium-sized coastal ships (formerly classified as ‘small’) and 10 large ocean-going ships which will have modular weapons
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