The Norwegian Defence Materiel Administration (FMA) has awarded a contract to the consortium fashioned by Salt Ship Design and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Salt & KDA) for the design and idea improvement of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ new standardized vessel class. The contract marks an vital milestone within the improvement of future maritime capabilities for the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Norwegian Defence Materiel Administration press launch – Translated by Naval News
Standardized vessels are some of the intensive maritime improvement and new acquisition initiatives within the protection sector, and a central a part of the Armed Forces’ Long-Term Plan and the Fleet Plan 2024. The objective is to develop a brand new class of vessels in two sizes, ocean-going and coastal platforms, which is able to cowl giant elements of the wants of each the Navy and the Coast Guard.
“In the updated long-term plan, the government maintains its commitment to the Navy. Norway needs a modern and robust naval defense, which can meet an increasingly complex threat landscape. Therefore, this contract is one of the important milestones for the acquisition of a new standardized vessel class. The fact that we are developing these vessels in Norway is an investment in security and preparedness, and at the same time we are using our national industry, which is a world leader in this area. The vessels will also be sold to our allies, which provides great opportunities for Norwegian industry. This contract brings us an important step forward in the acquisition”, says State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen.
A design for the long run
The vessels might be primarily based to the best extent doable on civilian requirements and commercially out there expertise, following the precept of “as civilian as possible, as military as necessary”. At the identical time, they’ll facilitate modular options, interoperability with autonomous methods and excessive operational flexibility.
The first vessel is deliberate to be delivered in 2030.
Eleven design homes participated within the qualification, of which six had been invited to proceed. Three suppliers submitted ultimate presents. After an total evaluation of competence, implementation functionality, technical maturity and worth, Salt & KDA was thought-about one of the best offerer to produce the design.
The competitors has been performed as a nationwide competitors, amongst different issues for causes of preparedness, safety of provide and the necessity to additional develop Norwegian experience.
“The award marks an important step in the development of future maritime capacity. The supplier will, in close collaboration with Defence Materiel and the Norwegian Armed Forces, develop a complete and neutral technical basis that will be the foundation for the upcoming shipbuilding competition. The timeline is tight, and that is precisely why the expertise and capacity of Salt & KDA are crucial”, says Director of Defence Materiel, Gro Jære.
She additionally highlights the robust competitors in procurement.
“We would additionally like to thank all of the suppliers who’ve participated. All of them have proven why Norway is a world chief within the improvement of superior vessel designs.“
The basis for the following section
The contract contains the event of an entire idea design that may type the technical foundation for the shipbuilding competitors deliberate to begin in 2026.
A key precept is that the design ought to be impartial and accessible to all suppliers within the subsequent section. Therefore, strict necessities are set for independence, equal remedy and dealing with of any conflicts of curiosity.
Although the contract has a restricted financial worth, its strategic significance is excessive. It units the stage for one of many Norwegian Armed Forces’ largest maritime investments within the coming a long time, and may even contribute to strengthening Norwegian industrial capability and experience. The design section that’s now being initiated might be essential to guarantee the best stability between operational wants, expertise and price earlier than building of the vessels begins.
Tight schedule
The mission follows an bold schedule:
- Completion of necessities specification and reference design: by the top of 2026
- Shipbuilding competitors: fall 2026 – spring 2027
- Planned building contract: from 2027
- First vessel: supply in 2030
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