Norway contracts Kongsberg for Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate upgrades

The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) has contracted Kongsberg Defence Systems to upgrade the combat management systems of the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.

Under the agreement, the defense company will also update the ships’ active sonar systems.

Kongsberg said the contract has a value of 313 MNOK (approx. US$36.7 million) and is expected to be completed in the next four years.

In the past, Kongsberg has supplied the frigates with anti-surface and anti- submarine warfare systems based on the company’s combat management system architecture and integrated with the Aegis Combat System. The company has also conducted update and maintenance activities regularly since the class was introduced.

“Kongsberg is pleased to be part of the upgrade program extending the lifetime of the systems on board the Fridtjof Nansen class,” Eirik  Lie, acting president, Kongsberg Defence Systems, said.

The Norwegian Navy currently operates five multi-role Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates that were commissioned into the navy between 2006 and 2011. The frigates are named after the Norwegian explorer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate and built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.