Norway Selects Britain’s Type 26 City-class Frigates, Comparable in Size to Front-Line Destroyers
In the naval competition that led Norway to select the United Kingdom for the modernization of its fleet in August 2025, the model chosen was the Type 26 Frigate, known as the City-class. This vessel is now at the heart of the Royal Navy’s renewal program, designed for high-intensity operations and anti-submarine warfare. The units that Norway will receive will be as identical as possible to those operated by the Royal Navy in London, according to the Norwegian government, in order to maximize interoperability and ensure a common defense in the North Atlantic.
Each Type 26 Frigate is approximately 149.9 meters long and 20.8 meters wide. The draft is approximately seven meters, ensuring good stability. The standard displacement is around 6,900 tons, rising to nearly 8,000 tons when fully loaded. The Norwegian Navy will thus have ships comparable in size to front-line destroyers, designed to escort carrier strike groups and conduct extended missions. Propulsion is based on a CODLOG architecture combining a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, four diesel generators, and two electric motors. This configuration allows for silent electric operation, which is crucial for anti-submarine warfare. The speed exceeds 26 knots, and the range is over 7,000 nautical miles, giving Norway the ability to patrol the Atlantic for weeks.
The concept provides for a basic crew of approximately 150 to 165 sailors, with the possibility of accommodating more than 200 people when air detachments or specialized reinforcements are on board. The comfort and modular spaces meet NATO standards, with an emphasis on operational readiness. The aircraft platform is sized to accommodate a heavy Merlin-type helicopter, as well as surveillance drones and lighter aircraft. For the Norwegian Navy, this means an extension of ASM capabilities through the combined use of helicopters and unmanned systems. A large mission space allows for the embarkation of fast patrol boats, surface drones, specialized containers, or humanitarian aid equipment. This modularity, highlighted by BAE Systems, gives the frigates the flexibility to cover a spectrum ranging from high-intensity to civil support.
The Type 26 Frigate is equipped with an Artisan 997 three-dimensional surveillance radar, capable of simultaneously tracking hundreds of targets. It also features a new-generation hull sonar (Type 2150) and an S2087 low-frequency towed sonar, the global benchmark in underwater detection. This equipment provides Norway with early threat detection and effective tracking of enemy submarines. Electronic warfare systems complement this system with jamming and warning capabilities, which are essential in a threat-saturated environment. NATO tactical data links enable seamless integration within naval coalitions, which is essential for a navy such as Norway’s.
The core of the weaponry is the Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile system, with forty-eight vertical cells. This arsenal protects the ship against anti-ship missile attacks and close-range air threats. In addition, twenty-four Mk 41 “strike length” vertical cells are planned. These universal silos offer Norway the possibility of integrating cruise missiles, ASROCs, or long-range strike capabilities, according to its sovereign choices. The main artillery consists of a 127 mm Mk 45 gun, capable of firing guided ammunition. Close-in defense is provided by Phalanx CIWS systems and 30 mm remote-controlled guns. The ASM armament is supplemented by light torpedoes, deployed by the ship’s helicopter. The package strikes a balance between area defense, deep strike, and submarine warfare.
Built in Glasgow by BAE Systems, the frigates destined for the Royal Navy already support around 4,000 jobs and more than 400 companies. Thanks to the contract signed, Norway will in turn benefit from industrial spin-offs, as local cooperation equivalent to the value of the purchase is planned. The first deliveries to the Norwegian Navy will take place from 2030, a milestone confirmed by the Oslo government.
