UK and Norway plan 30 new vessels for coastal ops

March 18, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The United Kingdom and Norway are considering a joint acquisition of up to 30 new vessels for coastal operations.

The countries are taking a new step in their close defense partnership with plans to jointly develop a fleet of next-generation commando vessels for coastal operations.

Under the proposed Joint Commando Craft program, the two countries are considering the acquisition of up to 30 vessels designed to transport personnel and equipment, conduct insertions and extractions, and operate effectively in demanding littoral environments.

The new craft are expected to deliver significant improvements in speed, endurance, survivability, and manoeuvrability compared to current platforms. In addition to transport roles, they will enhance situational awareness, enable target designation, and support the operation of onboard sensor systems.

“Norway and the United Kingdom share a very close defence relationship. By developing a joint capability for coastal operations, we are strengthening our ability to operate together in the North Atlantic and the High North, while also contributing to regional security and stability,” said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

The planned vessels are expected to measure up to 24 metres in length, with a displacement of up to 60 tonnes, and the capability to operate independently for several days.

In Norway, the craft will support the Coastal Ranger Command, while in the UK, they will be operated by the UK Commando Force led by the Royal Marines. The vessels will enable operations across a wide range of environments, from open seas to shallow coastal waters.

“We are pleased to further strengthen the close defence cooperation between the UK and Norway. By collaborating on a joint capability for commando vessels, we enhance our ability to operate side by side in key maritime regions,” stated Stein Håvard Bergstad, Head of Maritime Capabilities at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.

He added that the initiative will improve interoperability and situational awareness, underlining both nations’ shared commitment to security in strategically important areas.

As part of the programme’s early phase, Norway and the UK have issued a Request for Information (RFI) to survey the market. The aim is to gather data on potential suppliers, available technologies, cost estimates, and delivery timelines.

The RFI will also explore design options and assess the production capacity of Norwegian shipyards, as the vessels are expected to be built in Norway.

“This is an important step forward for the Joint Commando Craft project as we begin evaluating potential solutions for this critical capability,” said Rob Ginn.

The initiative falls under the wider UK–Norway defense partnership formalised through the Lunna House Agreement, signed in December.

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The agreement aims to deepen cooperation across a range of areas, including weapons development, autonomous systems, mine countermeasures, underwater warfare, and future maritime interoperability.

It also reaffirms the UK’s commitment to contributing to security in strategically vital regions such as the North Atlantic and the Arctic.