Kongsberg secures contract for Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.

According to information published by Kongsberg on December 4, 2023, Kongsberg Naval Services (KONGSBERG), a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, has clinched a strategic framework agreement with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency.
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Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl. (Picture source: Kongsberg)

This contract, valued at NOK 17 billion, entrusts KONGSBERG with the operational support, maintenance, and life-extending services of Norway's Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, potentially extending up to the year 2040.

As the selected main supplier, KONGSBERG's responsibilities encompass comprehensive management, ship technical maintenance, modifications, and life-extending activities.

The agreement heralds a new era of integrated, long-term cooperation between KONGSBERG, the Norwegian Armed Forces, and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency. KONGSBERG's strategic alliance includes partnerships with Westcon Yards, Coast Center Base (CCB), WilNor Governmental Services (WGS), and Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM). Furthermore, a cooperation agreement with Navantia ensures continued support from the shipyard that originally constructed the frigates.

Kongsberg Naval Services (KNS), specifically established for delivering these maintenance services, is a joint venture, equally owned by Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The finalization of the contract between NDMA and KNS is anticipated later in December 2023.

About the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates

This class consists of five ships built by the Spanish shipbuilder Bazan, now known as Navantia. By 2009, the projected expense for all five ships was around 21 billion kr (equivalent to about USD 2.44 billion). As of November 2018, four of these ships were in active service, with one having been sunk and later scrapped.

Originally designed as replacements for the aging Oslo-class frigates, these vessels were focused on anti-submarine warfare. Over time, their design evolved to include a more comprehensive role, incorporating both anti-aircraft defenses and the Naval Strike Missile.