Scotland’s shipbuilding sector has gained a significant boost following Norway’s confirmation that it will purchase British Type 26 frigates in a £10 billion agreement, with the vessels to be built at the Clyde shipyard. The UK–Norway Type 26 Frigate Deal secures approximately 2,000 jobs at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards through the late 2030s, while sustaining another 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain. More than 100 Scottish companies are expected to benefit from the programme, including 54 small and medium-sized enterprises.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray emphasised the significance of the announcement, both industrially and strategically. “Norway’s decision to choose Scottish-built frigates demonstrates the tremendous success of our shipbuilding industry and showcases the world-class skills and expertise of our workforce on the Clyde. This contract is another ‘defence dividend’ for Scotland and supports thousands of jobs and reinforces Scotland’s vital contribution to both UK prosperity and international security. The deal demonstrates that when we back Scottish industry, it delivers for communities, workers, and our allies.”
Under the agreement, the Royal Norwegian Navy will acquire at least five frigates. These will complement the eight ships already on order for the Royal Navy to create a joint fleet of 13 advanced anti-submarine warfare vessels. The development not only enhances the northern waters presence of NATO but also boosts the UK–Norway naval cooperation, especially with increasing submarine activity in the North Atlantic.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the deal as a clear example of government policy working both domestically and internationally. “This £10 billion deal is what our Plan for Change is about – creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people.”
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the broader alliance impact, calling it a deepening of strategic ties between the two nations. “With Norway, we will train, operate, deter, and – if necessary – fight together. Our navies will work as one, leading the way in NATO, with this deal putting more world-class warships in the North Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect our critical infrastructure, and keep both our nations secure.”
For Scotland, the implications extend beyond Scotland’s shipbuilding sector. Ferguson Marine at Port Glasgow has already been integrated into the Type 26 supply chain, producing modules for HMS Birmingham. Producers throughout Scotland, from electronics to steel, stand to gain as manufacturing increases in accordance with the UK–Norway Type 26 Frigate Agreement.
The frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare, with stealth capabilities, advanced sensors and endurance to suit the North Atlantic operating environment. Norway therefore becomes the latest of the UK, Australia, and Canada to adopt the Type 26 platform, forming a global user base of over 30 ships.
This announcement comes ahead of a new bilateral defence agreement between Oslo and London, which is set to further institutionalise cooperation, from industry to combined training and operational activity.
