DCNS delivered the fourth-of-class fast patrol boat (FPB) P964-Glimt to the Royal Norwegian Navy. The six-boat Skjold program is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as the combat system design authority and co-supplier.
The Norwegian authorities entrusted the Skjold program to a consortium of three contractors with DCNS as the combat system design authority and co-supplier. DCNS is working with Norwegian contractors Umoe Mandal and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, through the Skjold Prime Consortium.
Skjold FPBs are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway’s littoral waters. The combat system is tailored to demanding environments and reduced crewing. The communications and sensor suites are fully compatible with active participation in international and NATO-led operations. The vessels communication capabilities will be further enhanced as they will be upgraded with a state-of-the-art satellite communications system. The contract for this new capability has just been awarded by NDLO (Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation) to the Skjold Prime Consortium.
With a length of around 50 meters, Skjold-class FPBs are heavily armed for their size. The combat system features eight anti-ship missiles and a 76-mm gun that can engage several targets at once at ranges exceeding 12 kilometers.
First-of-class P961-Storm was handed over on 9 September 2010, second-of-class P962-Skudd on 28 October 2010 and third-of-class P963-Steil on 30 June 2011.
The success of the Skjold program is the fruit of a long-term partnership between DCNS and its Norwegian partners. Between 1997 and 2004, DCNS demonstrated its expertise in combat system design and development as prime contractor for the modernization of 14 Hauk-class FPBs for the Royal Norwegian Navy.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 02, 2012; Image: dcns