Breaking News: Norway Deal Opens the Way for Denmark and Sweden to Order British Type 31 Frigates.

The United Kingdom is engaged in high-level discussions with Denmark and Sweden over the potential supply of Type 31 Arrowhead 140 frigates, to be built by Babcock at Rosyth. This development, reported by the Financial Times on 2 September 2025, comes against the backdrop of strategic realignment in Northern Europe, where monitoring the Arctic and North Atlantic in response to Russia remains a priority for NATO. It follows the recent announcement of a major contract with Norway for the acquisition of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, a deal that has already secured the order book for Glasgow shipyards for the next decade.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Artist’s impression of the British Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate (Picture source: British MoD)

Negotiation parameters under discussion include an initial Danish order for three frigates, with the option of gradually transferring part of the construction to domestic yards after the first units. Sweden is considering four ships, although Stockholm is also evaluating a competing French proposal, complicating the decision process. A final ruling by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration is expected before the end of the year. In parallel, industrial cooperation between Babcock and Saab on the development of Luleå-class corvettes highlights Sweden’s intent to link naval modernisation with targeted partnerships. Taken together with the Norwegian deal, these initiatives outline a framework of strengthened maritime cooperation across NATO’s northern flank.

From a technical perspective, the Type 31, also known as the Inspiration class, represents the Royal Navy’s new general-purpose frigate. Designed to replace the general-purpose Type 23s, it prioritises operational flexibility and cost sustainability. The ship displaces around 5,700 tonnes, measures 138.7 metres in length, has a top speed of 26 knots, and carries a core crew of about 100 sailors, with accommodation for 40 additional personnel. A mission bay of 119 m² can house up to six 20-foot ISO containers, enabling modular adaptation to operational needs. Side bays allow for the deployment of three Pacific 24 boats for boarding operations, counter-smuggling, or maritime assistance, while the flight deck and hangar support either a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter, extending surveillance and support capabilities.

The combat system includes provision for a Mk 41 vertical launch system, offering an open architecture capable of deploying a wide range of missiles: medium- and long-range surface-to-air, Tomahawk cruise missiles, ESSM, and vertical-launch anti-submarine weapons. The integration choices remain dependent on customer requirements and timelines. The estimated average unit cost, publicly reported in 2023, was approximately £250 million, highlighting its appeal for navies seeking adaptable frigates with controlled acquisition costs.

The Danish case underlines a distinctive industrial cycle. The Arrowhead 140, derived from the Danish Iver Huitfeldt class designed with Odense Maritime Technology, was subsequently redeveloped by Babcock for the UK and has since been exported to Poland and Indonesia. A possible reintroduction of this design into the Royal Danish Navy would close the loop, illustrating the circulation of expertise in Northern Europe and the relevance of modular ship concepts. For the UK, such contracts add to an already growing export portfolio, enhance the international profile of its shipyards, and reinforce political-military links with Scandinavian allies.

Beyond the industrial aspects, the negotiations reflect a broader strategic shift. NATO’s northern flank is emerging as a central axis of industrial and operational cooperation. The combined effect of Type 26 and Type 31 programmes, alongside Sweden’s corvette projects, signals a distribution of roles and capabilities aimed at strengthening regional naval power in response to Russia, while uncertainties persist regarding U.S. security guarantees. Ultimately, the talks with Denmark and Sweden extend the UK’s export strategy, provide sustained workload for Scottish shipyards, and contribute to building naval interoperability in Northern Europe around modern, modular, and adaptable platforms.