A ninth British Type 26 is proposed alongside Norway's five additional frigates. That would bring the combined British and Norwegian total to fourteen ships. The argument is that nine British hulls would provide noticeably more availability than eight. This is a preferred addition to the order, rather than an announced commitment.
Notable Point · 46:25-46:59
The case for a ninth British Type 26
A ninth British frigate alongside Norway's five is proposed as a way to improve fleet availability.