Type 26 Frigate choice dominates Norwegian public pollBy George Allison - March 8, 2025
According to a poll conducted by Nettavisen, nearly half of respondents—49%—favoured the UK as Norway’s preferred supplier for its next-generation frigates, significantly ahead of the United States, Germany, and France.
The poll, which gathered responses from almost 8,000 verified users, comes as the Norwegian government prepares to decide on its largest-ever naval defence investment.
The procurement will see at least five new frigates acquired to replace the aging Fridtjof Nansen-class vessels.The UK’s overwhelming lead in the poll reflects the close security ties between Norway and Britain, particularly within NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). British warships, particularly the advanced Type 26 design, have been recognised for their cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare capabilities, a key requirement for Norway’s future fleet.
The United States, long considered a key ally, received significantly less support, highlighting concerns among some Norwegian politicians about the direction of US foreign policy under Donald Trump’s administration.
The choice of supplier has sparked political debate in Norway, particularly regarding whether the United States should remain a contender. Left-leaning parties, including the Socialist Left Party (SV) and the Red Party, argue that Norway should distance itself from US-built warships in favour of European alternatives.
“Norway and the USA do not share the same strategic interests,” said SV’s defence spokesperson Ingrid Fiskaa in comments to Nettavisen. “Trump’s ‘America First’ approach should serve as a warning for Norway to avoid further dependence on US defence suppliers.”
Red Party defence spokesperson Bjørnar Moxnes expressed similar concerns, referencing warnings from former NATO commanders and Norwegian defence officials about the long-term reliability of US security guarantees.
Meanwhile, Germany and France remain in the race.
Final Decision ApproachingThe Norwegian government is expected to make its final selection later this year. With the UK winning nearly half the public vote, there is clear momentum behind British-built frigates as the preferred option. However, strategic, political, and economic considerations will ultimately shape the final decision.
The poll results underscore the strong defence ties between the UK and Norway, particularly as both nations focus on securing the North Atlantic and Arctic regions against growing threats.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/type-26-frigate-choice-dominates-norwegian-public-poll/
