Vard picks iXblue navigation technology for Jan Mayen class
New generation of offshore patrol ships for the Norwegian Coast Guard will feature fibre optic gyroscope-based inertial navigation systems and other technologies from iXblue.
The three new Jan Mayen-class offshore patrol vessels for the Norwegian Coast Guard will be equipped with navigation technology from iXblue, the French company announced on 26 January.
Marins-series inertial navigation systems (INS), Quadrans gyrocompasses and the Netans Navigation Data Distribution & Computation System (NDDCS) are being supplied under a subcontract from Vard Group.
The value of this deal was undisclosed.
Regis Blomme, iXblue sales director, noted that the Arctic is a ‘very challenging environment’ but he insisted that the fibre optic gyroscope-based INS and Netans NDDCS ‘have already proven to offer highly accurate, resilient, and secure navigation in such Northern latitudes’.
Tasked with securing the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone, the three new vessels will be delivered in 2022-2024 to replace ageing Nordkapp-class ships which entered service in the 1980s.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the vessels have been procured under the P6615 programme and a construction contract worth NOK5.2 billion ($577 million) was signed with Vard shipyard in June 2018.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Jan Mayen Class (1-3) [Norway]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea]()
US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
