Jessica O'ConnorThousands of UK jobs will be safeguarded and new opportunities created after Norway selected British-built Type 26 frigates in a £10bn defence partnership with the UK.
The agreement, the UK’s largest ever warship export deal by value, will sustain 4,000 jobs across the country until well into the 2030s, including more than 2,000 roles at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards.
The programme is also expected to benefit over 400 companies in the wider supply chain, with small and medium enterprises making up more than half.
According to government figures, 103 firms in Scotland, 47 in the North West of England and 35 in the West Midlands will directly contribute to the work, alongside businesses in other regions.
Apprentices, engineers, and specialist contractors are expected to benefit as demand grows for advanced shipbuilding skills.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deal demonstrated the link between defence investment and economic growth.
He said: “This £10bn deal is what our Plan for Change is about – creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people.
“Supporting apprentices, engineers and supply chain businesses across the UK, it shows the world-class capability of our workforce.”
The deal underlines the role of defence exports in supporting industrial employment.
The Type 26 programme has already been selected by Australia and Canada, making it a shared platform among NATO allies and a global benchmark for anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This historic agreement will support thousands of high-skilled jobs for the next 15 years and beyond, confirming Britain’s defence industry as world-leading.
“As well as deepening our alliance with Norway, it makes defence an engine for growth in communities across the UK.”
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, said the decision was a vote of confidence in the skills of UK workers.
He added: “This reflects Norway’s confidence in British industry’s ability to deliver advanced anti-submarine platforms while supporting its NATO commitments.
“We look forward to working alongside UK and Norwegian industry to deliver this critical programme.”
