Norway's New Nansen Class Frigates: Capabilities and Controversies

On June 1st, The Norwegian navy sailed its newest acquisition, the KNM Fridtjof Nansen, into the heart of Oslo. The stealthy 5,100 tonne Spanish-built frigate marks the beginning of its class, named after famous Norwegian explorers of the previous century. It also signals the start of a renewal of the Norwegian Navy, as 4 more ships of this class will be delivered through 2009 in a program valued at more than $2.4 billion. In total, Fridtjof Nansen will be followed by at least 10 more vessels of different designs within the next 5 years.

This article reviews the vessel and the controversy surrounding it - some see it as a revolution, others see it as a relic of the past.

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