Britain has secured a landmark  billion defence deal with Norway to export UK-built Type 26 frigates, marking the largest naval export in British history, aimed at countering Russian submarine threats.

The selection process was influenced by the 2025 strategic defence review, which identified Russian submarines as a primary threat, and the British model was favored for its performance and military cooperation.

The deal also opens the door for future exports of British-designed warships to other NATO and European allies, potentially revitalizing Britain’s shipbuilding industry.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted the strategic, industrial, and security benefits of this partnership, emphasizing NATO's collective security.

The deal is expected to support around 4,000 UK jobs, including over 2,000 at BAE Systems' Glasgow shipyards, and benefit 432 companies across the UK supply chain, especially small and medium enterprises.

The deal also involves extensive industrial cooperation, with Norway securing contracts that will boost Norwegian industry and jobs, and the final approval from the Norwegian Parliament is still pending.

The UK and Norway's partnership emphasizes enhanced NATO cooperation, joint operations, and regional security, especially in the Arctic, amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

The Type 26 frigates will be equipped with advanced anti-submarine warfare systems, including helicopters and potentially unmanned platforms, to strengthen NATO's maritime defenses.

Norway's government has chosen the UK over competitors like Naval Group and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, after considering other options including American warships, which were deterred by sanctions threats.

The agreement will see Norway become the fourth operator of the Type 26/Global Combat Ship, joining the UK, Australia, and Canada, and is part of a broader NATO cooperation effort.

BAE Systems' CEO Charles Woodburn expressed confidence in the project, emphasizing the delivery of advanced anti-submarine platforms that support NATO security objectives.

The Norwegian government declined Naval Group's bid for the contract, marking a setback for the French defense company, which has faced recent rejections in Canada and other markets.