TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
An artist’s illustration of the potential Fridtjof Nansen replacement by TKMS. (Image: TKMS)
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Norwegian firm Ulstein Werft to collaborate in a bid to deliver the replacement vessels for the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.
TKMS is one of four potential builders of the frigate fleet which were downselected in November 2024. Vard, a Norwegian firm, offered a US-style Constellation-class vessel, while BAE Systems put forward its Type 26 frigate, already in use in the UK’s Royal Navy and recently sold to Canada as the basis of its new River-class Destroyer fleet.
Naval Group advanced its Admiral
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling]()
“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling
Multiple USV programme milestones announced last week, aligned with a reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, point to innovation-led ambition but also to a structural calculation with resource ceilings that neither London nor Washington can ignore.
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached]()
Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached
Australia’s selection of an upgraded Mogami-class frigate marks Japan’s first-ever export of a major surface combatant. With an ambitious 2029 delivery target, the deal could open the door to further naval exports – but inexperience and geopolitical friction with China loom large.
