Britain's submarine-hunter ship 'could be delayed to help Norway'

The UK’s state-of-the-art submarine-hunting ships could be delayed so BAE Systems can supply Norway with one of the frigates, it has emerged.

Oslo has said it wants to secure at least five frigates to deter increasing Russian activity in the area.

The British defence giant looks in a good position to win the contract, with the new generation Type 26 frigate being built at the Govan shipyard in Glasgow.

However, Norway is determined to have at least one of the ships by 2029. That might not be possible if the Royal Navy forces BAE Systems to honour a commitment to supply the UK with the first eight.

The so-called ‘City Class’ warships are set to be some of the most advanced of their kind in the world. CGI image

The so-called ‘City Class’ warships are set to be some of the most advanced of their kind in the world.

Under a £7.9billion deal, Grant Shapps’ MoD is due to take delivery of the Type 26 frigates between 2028 to 2035.

The first, HMS Glasgow, is being prepared for sea trials in 2026 and construction has started on three others.

Norway is a fellow NATO member, and helping BAE Systems clinch the contract would bolster the future of the Glasgow shipyard.

But it could also fuel anxiety about the state of the UK’s own naval forces.

An MoD spokesman said: ‘We are working jointly with BAE Systems on options to support Norway’s future frigate programme and actively support the promotion of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship design to other navies around the world with a similar requirement.’

A BAE spokesman told the Telegraph: ‘We’re committed to delivering the eight ship Type 26 programme for the Royal Navy and are making good progress with construction underway on the first four vessels.’

Under a £7.9billion deal, Grant Shapps’ MoD is due to take delivery of the Type 26 frigates between 2028 to 2035.

Read more