"World class" new in-build Royal Navy Type 26 frigates could be passed to Norway with MoD "assessing options"
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Revolutionary new warships currently being built for the Royal Navy could be passed on to Norway with the government “assessing options” - as build slots for the vessels could be transferred.
Minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said the government is considering whether to offer British build slots to the Royal Norwegian Navy. A total of eight submarine-hunting City-class frigates are being constructed by BAE Systems in Glasgow, Scotland.
These ships, alongside Type 31 frigates due to be based in Portsmouth, are set to replace their ageing Type 23 counterparts. With the number of frigates in the Royal Navy shrinking to six - when HMS Richmond is officially retired - the need for new replacements is becoming more crucial by the day.
Conservative MP Mark Francois asked the Ministry of Defence (MoD) whether any of the planned ships will be transferred to Norway, a Nato ally that will work hand-in-hand with the UK patrolling the North Atlantic and High North in opposition to Russia.
Responding to the parliamentary written question, Mr Pollard said: “Working together with our Norwegian Partners we are assessing options for offering Type 26 build slots currently allocated to the Royal Navy to the Royal Norwegian Navy.”
Reports by Norwegian outlet VG suggest that the country may reduce the number of frigates it’s buying amid rising costs for the country’s armed forces investment programme. No final decision has been made.
Progress on the first of the eight ships, HMS Glasgow, is pushing ahead as planned. After being taken onto the water for the first time last year, her engines were tested in December 2025.
Mr Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “The Royal Navy will receive all eight Type 26 ships during the late 2020s and 2030s as planned.
“Norway's biggest ever defence procurement deal will see a combined fleet of 13 Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates - eight British and at least five Norwegian - operate jointly in Northern Europe, significantly strengthening NATO's northern flank.”
Mr Pollard added that the Type 26 programme is on track to meet all user requirements, and a “world class” capability will be delivered. He said: “Type 26 Frigates will allow the Royal Navy to continue to play a leading role in the anti-submarine theatre of the North Atlantic, providing a crucial output to both Nato and the Joint Expeditionary Force.”