Norway Leads NATO’s Largest Naval Procurement in Decades
Norway to acquire up to 20 standardised vessels for its navy and coast guard, with UK and Lithuania as partners.
Norway has launched one of its largest maritime defence initiatives, Project P1118, which will see the acquisition of up to 20 standardised vessels for its navy and coast guard in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Lithuania.
The planned fleet will be divided among the three NATO allies. Norway is set to receive around six vessels for its Coast Guard and up to four for its Navy. The UK will obtain six ships, while Lithuania will acquire up to four. All vessels will share a core naval platform design to ensure operational compatibility across the participating nations.
The procurement process will be split into two separate contracts to encourage competition and reduce risks. One contract will cover 14 naval vessels, while the other will include up to six coast guard ships. Defence contractors may submit bids for either or both contracts, though no single supplier will be awarded both.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Distribution and Design: Norway
The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) aims to award the production contracts in 2027, with the first vessels expected to be delivered by the end of the decade. The project prioritises large ocean-going ships initially, with plans to develop smaller naval craft in later phases.
The initiative is designed to strengthen Norway’s maritime defence capabilities, particularly in response to growing security concerns in the region. By involving allied nations, Norway also seeks to bolster its domestic shipbuilding and defence industries, creating export opportunities and securing long-term manufacturing capacity. The FMA is actively seeking shipyards in Norway and across Europe to participate in the tender, ensuring a diverse supplier base.
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