Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace has signed a cooperation agreement with the UK’s BAE Systems aimed at fostering further close industrial collaboration to support the defense requirements of Norway and the United Kingdom.
As disclosed, the agreement was signed onboard HMS St Albans in Oslo, Norway, on May 9, 2025. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence selected the UK as one of four countries for discussions about a potential strategic partnership for deliveries of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen-class.
Through industrial cooperation and a partnership approach, the two companies can provide a foundation for job creation, technology transfer and investment to benefit national and international markets.
Under the terms of this specific agreement, the two companies will seek to explore long-term cooperation in existing and future joint programs across all military domains.
These may include the Vanguard vessel system, a strategic partnership for through-life support for the new frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance and targeting, and ship system deliveries to both nations’ frigates.
“This agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between KONGSBERG and BAE Systems and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and UK militaries,” said Eirik Lie , President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
“We have worked together with KONGSBERG for more than 80 years, which reflects the strong relationship between the UK and Norway, built over decades of cooperation as close allies and friends,” added Charles Woodburn , Chief Executive of BAE Systems.
“This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and UK armed forces.”