NORWEGIAN warships are to be built in Glasgow as part of a £10 billion deal, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
Type 26 frigates will be constructed at the BAE Systems yard in the Govan area in an arrangement which will support 2000 jobs at the shipyard, along with a further 2000 jobs along the supply chain until 2030.
The deal, which was announced on Sunday, will also allow a fleet of at least 13 anti-submarine ships from the UK and Norway to operate jointly in northern Europe as they aim to deal with increased Russian activity.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as he said it would help support well-paid jobs across the country.
He said: “This £10 billion deal is what our Plan for Change is about – creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people.
“This government has forged new partnerships across the world to deliver for people at home and the export of our world leading Type 26 frigates to Norway will do exactly that, supporting well-paid jobs up and down the United Kingdom, from apprentices to engineers.
“This success is testament to the thousands of people across the country who are not just delivering this next generation capabilities for our Armed Forces but also national security for the UK, our Norwegian partners and NATO for years to come.”
The agreement is expected to support 103 Scottish businesses, which include 54 small and medium enterprises.
Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray welcomed the news as he said the deal will help support thousands of Scottish workers.
He said: “Norway's decision to choose Scottish-built frigates demonstrates the tremendous success of our shipbuilding industry and showcases the world-class skills and expertise of our workforce on the Clyde.
“This contract is another 'defence dividend' for Scotland and supports thousands of jobs and reinforces Scotland's vital contribution to both UK prosperity and international security.
“The deal demonstrates that when we back Scottish industry, it delivers for communities, workers, and our allies.”
