These excellent ships of the Norwegian navy were a departure from the norm in Europe during the 1990s, when most countries downsized and/or downrated their navies. They are a huge improvement over the Oslo class FFs, and five hulls will guarantee that at least one (and usually at least two) are always on patrol. The design is based on the Spanish Alvaro de Bazan class, with assistance by Lockheed Martin. Part of their design criteria was the ability to partake in distant peacekeeping operations and they are spacious and air conditioned inside. They are optimized for rough arctic weather with deicing and the Trigon helicopter haul-down system. The design has good damage resistance; the ships are NBC sealed and two isolated MTU 396-12V diesels can provide power in the event the entire engine room is destroyed.

Original Author: Jason W. Henson