**Paris Agreement on Defense Cooperation**
Norway and France have agreed to enhance their defense cooperation by signing a letter of intent that facilitates closer collaboration in areas such as maritime surveillance. This agreement aligns with France’s Naval Group eyeing a multibillion-dollar acquisition of frigates by the Royal Norwegian Navy.
**Meeting Details**
Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram met with French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu at Akershus Fortress in Oslo on Thursday. The discussions were followed by meetings with the defense industries from both nations, according to a government statement.
**Frigate Acquisition Plans**
France is among the shortlisted countries, which also include Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., to supply five or six frigates to Norway—the largest investment in Norwegian defense to date. Norway aims for a strategic partnership with a close ally rather than a standalone vessel, taking into account shared strategic interests—particularly in the High North.
**Strengthening Cooperation**
Gram expressed that France is a significant ally that actively participates in exercises and training in adjacent areas. He highlighted the common strategic understanding regarding global security threats and the importance of maintaining situational awareness and presence in the High North. The letter signifies a commitment to enhanced cooperation in areas such as maritime surveillance and joint exercises.
**Addressing Hybrid Threats**
The two nations will also focus on hybrid threats, especially in protecting critical infrastructures like submarine cables and energy supply lines. This aligns with NATO’s maritime patrol mission in the Baltic Sea, which was initiated in response to recent acts of sabotage against underwater infrastructure.
**Investment in Defense Equipment**
Discussions regarding increased cooperation on defense material were central during the meetings, with both nations planning substantial investments in military equipment. Norway’s Kongsberg presented its Hugin underwater drone during the visit, highlighting France’s role as a contender for supplying frigates.
**Naval Group’s Frigate Capabilities**
Naval Group’s Defense and Intervention Frigate (FDI) has been touted as ideally suited to meet Norway’s requirements for modern frigates. Gaël Diaz de Tuesta from the French armaments directorate mentioned this capability during a parliamentary hearing. The initial FDI frigate entered sea trials in October, with five ships ordered for the French Navy, in addition to three vessels ordered by Greece.
**Specifications of the FDI**
The FDI frigate measures 122 meters in length and displaces approximately 4,500 tons, making it smaller than vessels currently being developed in the U.K., Germany, and the U.S. It features a redundant IT architecture and dual data centers, with sophisticated equipment including Thales radar, sonar, and MBDA’s Exocet anti-ship missiles.
**Controversy Over Underwater Drones**
Controversy arose when French underwater drone manufacturer Exail expressed discontent with France’s continued procurement of deep-sea drones from Kongsberg instead of selecting a domestic product. In October 2022, the armaments directorate awarded Kongsberg a contract for an unmanned underwater vehicle capable of operating at depths of 6,000 meters.
**Author Bio**
Rudy Ruitenberg serves as a Europe correspondent for Defense News. With a career that began at Bloomberg News, he brings experience in technology reporting, commodity markets, and politics.
