Norway is driving forward the modernisation of its navy with a consistently standardised fleet approach. The procurement authority Forsvarsmateriell has commissioned Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design to develop a standardised ship design concept. A series of up to 28 units is planned, which will gradually replace several existing classes. The aim is to realise efficiency gains, reduce costs and simplify operation, training and maintenance while increasing operational flexibility.

According to the company, the programme is not only intended to strengthen the performance of the Norwegian navy, but also to set international standards. A later export capability of the standardised class is expressly envisaged. Back in March, Kongsberg, Salt Ship Design and Adaptive Marine Solutions from Ottawa were awarded a contract to develop new ships for the Canadian Coast Guard. The UK and Lithuania are also mentioned as potential partners in the context of standardised solutions.

The approach of a continuous „line“ is not new. Comparable principles can be found in the MEKO concept from HDW/TKMS and in the US Arleigh Burke class, which have been continued for decades. The advantages lie in economies of scale, joint further development with partners and a strengthened national shipyard industry. For the German Navy, on the other hand, the procurement of four MEKO A-200s does not create a line, but merely another class 128.

kdk, nordic.info