The Norwegian Navy’s Skjold-class corvettes are undergoing an extensive overhaul by Umoe and Kongsberg since June last year. As part of this upgrade the Danish company, Terma, has announced that it will integrate its Scanter 6000 radar to the patrol boats.
The ongoing modernisation of the six active units will improve the capabilities of the vessels as the Norwegian Navy intends extend the life of these vessels.
The Skjold-class missile fast patrol boat is fast, small but has a heavy weapon load and littoral combat capability. The Skjold (‘shield’) has an air-cushioned catamaran hull (surface effect) which, with waterjet propulsion, provides high speed and manoeuvrability.
Norway commissioned its first-of-class ship, KNM Skjold (P960), d in April 1999. The Norwegian government approved the construction of five more Skjold vessels in June 2002.
The centerpiece of the upgrade is the installation of a new combat management system (CMS), provided by Kongsberg, which will enhance the corvettes’ operational capabilities while Terma supplies its next generation radars.
Scanter 6000 radars provide simultaneous small target detection, helicopter guidance and large and small target detection at both close and maximum range. The systems have been used against adversarial targets even in harsh weather conditions.
Terma can disclose that the Scanter 6000 radars have successfully completed a factory acceptance test (FAT) last week. These tests have validated the robustness and reliability of the radars, ensuring their seamless integration into the upgraded corvettes.
America, Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates have all deployed the radar system.
Modernising the fleet beyond radar
Intelligence from GlobalData’s report on the ‘Norway Defence Market, 2022-27’ tells us that the Norwegian Armed Forces are undergoing an extensive programme of platform replacement and procurement in order to provide credible deterrence and meet its Nato responsibilities.
The navy is cutting its submarine force from six to four, but the new Type 212CD vessels are larger, stealthier, and to be equipped with advanced sensors and an in-development medium-range missile.
The air force’s fleet of F-16 fighters is being replaced with a fleet of 52 F-35s, and the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft are being replaced with Boeing’s new P-8A Poseidon jets.
There are also plans to replace the Bell 412 helicopters for the Special Forces and an order of 14 NH90 maritime helicopters was cancelled in June 2022 – Norway will now be looking for alternatives.
