UK Poised to Expand Warship Exports to Scandinavia

The United Kingdom is in advanced discussions to construct warships for two NATO member states, Denmark and Sweden. This development is seen as a significant win for Scottish shipbuilders and the broader UK defense sector. This follows the recent announcement of the UK's largest warship export deal to date, with Norway.

The agreement with Norway, valued at £10 billion, involves the production of at least five new Type-26 frigates. The government anticipates this project will sustain 4,000 jobs, with over 2,000 at BAE Systems' Glasgow shipyards, where the vessels will be constructed.

The potential deals with Denmark and Sweden highlight the UK's growing alliance with Scandinavia, aimed at addressing the presence of Russia and Vladimir Putin in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. A source indicated that an agreement with Copenhagen is imminent. Negotiations with Sweden are progressing positively, though they are becoming more complex due to a competing offer from France.

The deal with Denmark is expected to involve the production of three Type-31 frigates by Babcock International. Sweden is considering an order for four Type-31 frigates. The Type-31 frigates are the UK's new multi-role warships, intended to replace the older Type-21 vessels in the Royal Navy. The cost to build a single Type-31 frigate is approximately £250 million, based on 2023 figures.

The Ministry of Defence has stated that the Type-31 program is attracting considerable interest from international partners, demonstrating the strength of the UK's defense industry and shipbuilding capabilities. A Labour MP emphasized the importance of Scandinavian countries as key defense partners for the UK, and that these deals would strengthen these relationships in deterring Russian aggression.