The Norwegian government today announced their new long-term defence plan for the period 2025 to 2036. Under the name of The Norwegian Defence Pledge, the plan envisions significant growth which not only will see the country reach NATO’s target of 2 % of GDP to defence already this year, but also see that figure pass 3 % towards the end of the period.
As Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre noted in a press conference dedicated to the launching of the new plan, “The insurance premium is rising”. As part of this growth of all aspects of the Norwegian Defence Force, the Navy will receive the largest share of funding, including the largest single project in the form of a new frigate class.
The frigates will be acquired and operated together with a “close” ally with interests in the Norwegian home region, similar to how Norway and Germany are acquiring the U212CD-class. A firm order for five vessels is to be placed, with an option for a sixth. The decision to not acquire a tailored design is also seen as a key piece in being able to meet the tight schedule – the first vessel is expected by 2029. A focus is placed on the ASW-role. Likely contenders includes the UK Type 26, the Dutch ASWF, the German F126-class, the French FDI, the American/Italian Constellation-class and the Spanish F-110.
ASW-helicopters are also to be acquired for the frigates, as notably the order for Seahawks to replace the retired NH90 have so far only covered the shortfall in helicopters for the Coast Guard. While the MH-60R Seahawk is likely the favourite, there is no official indication in either the official documents or on the press conference that this would be the case.
The U212CD program is apparently going according to plan, to the extent that in addition to the four submarines currently on order for the Norwegian Navy, a fifth will be ordered together with an option for a sixth boat. This would ensure a one-for-one replacement of all of the six Ula-class submarines currently in service.
A major standardisation program is envisioned for the Coast Guard – a branch of the Navy – and non-surface warfare vessels of the Navy. The current seven classes of patrol vessels, corvettes, mine-countermeasure vessels, and auxiliaries will be replaced by two different standardised designs – a medium-sized platform for coastal waters and a large for offshore work – with modular weapons and sensor fits. A total of 18 medium and 10 large vessels are to be acquired.
The Air Force will receive long-range maritime surveillance drones, in particular for use over the large sea-regions in the high north where they will complement the Norwegian P-8 Poseidon fleet. Here as well Norway envision being part of an international user group, with a relatively limited number of own platforms. The Poseidons will receive a simulator, to enhance training opportunities while keeping the operating costs down.
