Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Ulstein Verft Partner for Norway's Next-Generation Frigate Program

Strategic German-Norwegian partnership could define Europe’s next-generation frigate class and boost Norway’s sovereign shipbuilding capacity.

Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Norway’s Ulstein Verft have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to jointly pursue Norway’s next-generation frigate program.

The agreement, formalized at the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) conference in Oslo on March 26, 2025, aims to combine Thyssenkrupp’s naval technology expertise with Ulstein’s local shipbuilding capabilities to strengthen Norway’s maritime defense industry.

Furthermore, the agreement signals a broader shift toward localized shipbuilding and regional cooperation as Norway prepares to modernize its naval surface fleet.

Strategic Cooperation Aimed at Norwegian Naval Renewal

The partnership positions the two firms as contenders for the Royal Norwegian Navy’s future frigate replacement program, expected to succeed the current Fridtjof Nansen-class. If selected, the collaboration would ensure significant value creation within Norway, aligning with national policy goals on defense-industrial participation.

The announcement follows a growing trend across Northern Europe for regional defense collaboration. Recent developments such as Denmark’s acquisition of Naval Strike Missiles from Norway and Patria and SIMA Innovation’s Nordic defense cooperation underscore the strategic value of joint programs across land and maritime domains.

Denmark Acquires ‘Naval Strike Missiles (NSM)’ from Norway to Replace Harpoon Systems on Iver Huitfeldt-Class Frigates

Denmark is replacing Harpoon missiles with Norway’s Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) on Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates in a 2.1 billion NOK deal led by DALO and supplied by Kongsberg. The upgrade boosts NATO interoperability and Danish naval strike power.

grosswald.org – Curated Intelligence on Geopolitics, Military Technology, and Security from Europe’s Strategic FrontierGroßwald Editorial

Patria and Sima Innovation Strengthen Nordic Defence Cooperation With Armoured Vehicles

Under the agreement, Patria, a renowned manufacturer of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), and Sima Innovation, a Danish specialist in vehicle gun-mount systems, will collaborate on joint presentations, demonstrations, and industry events.

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Combining Naval Innovation with Norwegian Industry

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems brings decades of experience in naval surface vessels and submarines, including its ongoing collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Navy on the 212CD submarine program. Ulstein Verft, based in Ulsteinvik, is known for innovative vessel design and modular shipbuilding and sees this partnership as a chance to extend its legacy into the defense sector.

At the signing, Joachim Wacker, Head of Product Sales & Product Strategy at TKMS, said the LoI reflects their long-term commitment to Norway’s maritime defense needs. Ulstein Verft’s Managing Director Lars Lühr Olsen highlighted the industrial and strategic potential of aligning with an established defense prime while maintaining their commercial shipbuilding strengths.

Implications for Norway’s Naval Industrial Base

Should Thyssenkrupp and Ulstein secure the contract, the program could reinforce Norway’s sovereign shipbuilding capabilities and stimulate domestic employment. This move mirrors industrial trends in Germany, where Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has faced restructuring and investment pressures even as it expands its European footprint.

Carlyle Withdraws Thyssenkrupp Marine Bid Over German Government Hesitation

U.S.-based private equity firm Carlyle Group has withdrawn its bid to acquire a majority stake in Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

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This development also ties into broader naval modernization efforts in Europe, including innovation in autonomous surface vessels and expanding Arctic and Baltic maritime operations.

Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs): The Future of Naval Warfare

oday’s ASVs incorporate a range of cutting-edge propulsion systems, often blending diesel power with electric motors for extended operational ranges. Their sensor suites—featuring electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and high-fidelity sonar arrays—enable comprehensive maritime domain awareness.

grosswald.org – Curated Intelligence on Geopolitics, Military Technology, and Security from Europe’s Strategic FrontierGroßwald Editorial

Looking Ahead

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is expected to define its frigate requirements later this year. If awarded, the Thyssenkrupp–Ulstein team could become a long-term industrial partner for Norway, offering localized construction, lifecycle support, and regional supply chain benefits.

The partnership reflects a broader shift toward industrial alignment and defense sovereignty across the NATO North.