The Royal Norwegian Navy has decided to upgrade its legendary Skjold-class coastal corvettes, the world’s fastest combat ships.
The Norwegian defense contractor KONGSBERG has announced that it has signed an agreement with UMOE Mandal AS to cooperate on the life time extension of Skjold-class coastal corvettes.
In collaboration with a significant number of suppliers from the Norwegian maritime industry, UMOE and KONGSBERG offers modern technology to increase military capabilities, and a more sustainable and cost efficient operation of the vessel.
The life time extension of the coastal corvettes will take place at the ship yard in Mandal, Norway in close cooperation with KONGSBERG and other suppliers.
“This life time extension project confirms our close and long-term collaboration with the Norwegian Armed Forces, and maintains the unique capabilities of the vessels. This project will also secure employment in a demanding time for the industry”, says Tom Svennevig, CEO of UMOE Mandal.
UMOE Mandal has constructed and build the Skjold-class coastal corvettes for the Norwegian Armed Forces, and KONGSBERG has been a key supplier of the combat system, and the integration of sub-systems.
“We welcome the government’s proposal to speed up the Skjold-Class upgrade, and consider this to be an important contribution to the Norwegian defence industry in these challenging times. We look forward to this collaboration that challenges us to find efficient solutions and develop technology that will have a positive impact on our nation’s defence capabilities. We also see this as an opportunity to maintain and secure employment in the Norwegian industry”, says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.
The Skjold-class missile fast patrol boat, also named as coastal corvette, is characterised by its speed, reduced signatures, small size with heavy weapon load and its littoral combat capability.
The Skjold has an air-cushioned catamaran hull which, with waterjet propulsion, provides high speed and maneuverability. The first-of-class ship, KNM Skjold (P960), was commissioned in April 1999.