Norway and Lithuania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation related to standardized vessels, paving the way for Lithuania’s potential participation in Norway’s Standardised Vessel Program and possible procurement of Norwegian-developed platforms.
The agreement was signed on July 8 during the NATO Summit and marks a new step in strengthening naval cooperation between the two allies.
Lithuania is considering the acquisition of Norwegian-developed standardized vessels as part of its future naval capability development and has identified Norway as a preferred strategic partner for the program.
The MoU establishes a framework for continued technical, commercial and industrial cooperation between the two countries as Lithuania evaluates joining the Norwegian-led initiative.
“It is now important to continue the technical, commercial and industrial work required to demonstrate that standardised vessels from Norway are the best choice for Lithuania,” Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik said.
Under the program, the Norwegian Armed Forces plan to acquire up to 28 new standardized vessels to replace several existing vessel classes. Lithuania is assessing the initiative as a potential solution for renewing its naval fleet after 2030, with a requirement for four multi-purpose modular vessels and associated modular capabilities.
Norway’s approach is based on developing vessels that are “as civilian as possible and as military as necessary”, an approach intended to reduce acquisition and lifecycle costs while maintaining the operational capabilities required by the armed forces.
“Norway aims to bring allied nations into the project. This offers several advantages. If multiple countries operate the same type of vessel, it can help reduce costs and improve interoperability—not only in operations, but also in areas such as training, operation, and maintenance,” Sandvik said.
The program is also designed to strengthen cooperation between allied maritime industries. Norway expects its domestic maritime and defense sectors to play a key role in delivering a cost-effective vessel solution for Norway, Lithuania and other potential partner nations.
The planned standardized vessels are expected to provide flexible maritime capabilities through modular designs, enabling operators to adapt platforms for different missions while benefiting from common training, logistics and maintenance arrangements.
The cooperation with Lithuania follows Norway’s broader effort to increase allied participation in major defence programmes and improve interoperability among NATO maritime forces.
To remind, in March this year, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency awarded a contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design for the design of the new standardized vessels for the Norwegian Navy.
Norway and partners are building 28 new standardized naval vessels. The fleet will include 18 medium coastal ships and 10 large offshore ships. They will handle patrols, mine warfare, and coast guard duties. The start of the construction is scheduled for 2027.