Norway frigates tender Naval Group CEO hopes for good news in November.

According to information published by AFP on November 7, 2024, Naval Group's CEO, Pierre-Eric Pommellet, shed light on the company's ongoing and upcoming opportunities in an interview with AFP during the Euronaval defense exhibition in Villepinte, France. Pommellet provided insights into major defense bids, including contracts for 12 submarines in Canada and five frigates for Norway. He emphasized that November will bring clarity on the company's position in these high-stakes deals, amid a complex global security environment that increasingly relies on technological innovations in defense.
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A model of the Belharra-class frigate or FDI HN export version at Euronaval 2024. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

Regarding Canada's ongoing procurement process for 12 submarines, Pommellet explained that Naval Group is actively engaged in the initial stages, responding to Canada's information request this month.

The French company is also competing for a contract to supply Norway with five frigates. Pommellet indicated that Norway is preparing to release a shortlist of preferred suppliers in the coming weeks.

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In April 2024, the Norwegian government announced an ambitious defense initiative, the Norwegian Defence Pledge, which included plans for a new class of frigates to replace the aging Fridtjof Nansen-class vessels currently in service. This decision reflects Norway's focus on modernizing its naval fleet to enhance maritime security and better address evolving threats in the North Atlantic region.

The new class will consist of five frigates, with the possibility of expanding to a sixth unit if future demands arise. These ships will be equipped primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), given the critical role Norway plays in monitoring and securing NATO’s northern waters, especially amidst growing submarine activities in the region. With these specialized capabilities, the new frigates are expected to offer significant advancements over their predecessors, which were first commissioned in the early 2000s.

To ensure compatibility and ease of integration within NATO's framework, Norway’s procurement strategy emphasizes collaboration with an allied partner country. This approach is similar to the joint acquisition of the U212CD-class submarines with Germany, promoting interoperability and defense cooperation across NATO forces.

Several top international shipbuilders are anticipated to participate in the bidding process, with options likely to include proven designs already in service with NATO allies. BAE Systems’ Type 26 frigate, Fincantieri's FREMM and Constellation-class, Naval Group’s FDI, Navantia’s F110, and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) are all potential contenders, each offering existing designs optimized for the rigors of high-end maritime operations. By selecting a model already in use by other NATO navies, Norway aims to streamline operational integration and leverage existing training and support networks.

The first of these advanced frigates is scheduled for delivery by 2029, a timeline designed to ensure that Norway’s navy remains capable of addressing future security demands in the region.