Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:11:08-3:12:16

Norway's frigate choice: manning, capability, and presence

Norway's frigate competition turns on crew requirements, mission breadth, and the visible presence a larger combatant can provide, giving Type 26 a credible case against smaller and alternative designs.

Constellation Class FrigatesF127 FrigateFrigatesNaval PersonnelNaval ProcurementRoyal Norwegian NavyType 26 Frigate
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Question

Why might Norway prefer Type 26 to the smaller French frigate and other contenders?

Short answer

Type 26 may fit Norway's manning and capability needs while providing the size and presence expected from its future frigate force.

Notes

Norway was considering several options: a compact French frigate, Britain's Type 26, the American Constellation class, and Germany's F127 program. Type 26 appeared to be a credible contender because its crew requirements and spread of capabilities were close to the Royal Norwegian Navy's existing needs. Norway also seemed to want enough displacement to make a visible presence contribution, where a roughly 4,500-ton ship might appear too small. The choice therefore turns on manning, capability breadth, and presence as well as the advertised design.