Britain and Norway may work closely in northern waters, but Norwegian Type 26 frigates do not form part of a combined Royal Navy force. Allied ships remain subject to national political decisions and may be unavailable for a British crisis elsewhere. Interoperability strengthens NATO operations without increasing the number of vessels under British control. Fleet comparisons therefore have to distinguish allied cooperation from national availability.
Chapter · 45:01-46:11
Norwegian Type 26 frigates remain under national control
The shipbuilding section warns against counting Norwegian Type 26 frigates as if they were part of the Royal Navy.