UK builder to start construction of Type 26 frigates for Norway

UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard had earlier assured the House of Commons that building the Norwegian frigates concurrently with the UK ships would not impact the UK's defence capability.

In UK service, the Type 26 ships will replace the anti-submarine warfare-optimised examples of the Type 23 frigates.

Upon completion, each Type 26 ship will have a displacement of 8,000 tonnes, a CODLOG propulsion arrangement that will deliver speeds of over 26 knots, and a low-observable stealth hull form. Armament will consist of a 127mm naval gun, two 30mm remotely fired cannon, two Phalanx close-in weapon systems, four machine guns, Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles.