Norway: The Royal Norwegian Navy took delivery of its second Skjold fast patrol boat, or FPB, on October 28, 2010.
This six-ship programme is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as combat system design authority and co-supplier.
The Norwegian authorities entrusted the Skjold programme to a consortium of three contractors with DCNS as combat system design authority and co-supplier. DCNS is working with Norway's Umoe Mandal shipyard and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.
Skjold FPBs are designed specifically to patrol Norway's littoral waters. Accordingly, the combat system is tailored to the requirements of this demanding environment as well as reduced crewing.
With to state-of-the-art communications and sensor suites, these boats will also be able to participate actively in international and NATO-led operations. Skjold-class FPBs are heavily armed with a length overall of less than 50 metres.
The combat system features eight anti-ship missiles and a 76mm gun that can engage several targets at once at ranges exceeding 12 kilometres.
Validation of the combat system was achieved following the successful completion of a final campaign involving decoy launchers and the main gun. The trials took place off Bergen in August.
Skjold-class FPB 'P961-Storm' was formally handed over on September and a naming ceremony held on the same day. The second-of-class 'P962-Skudd' has been named and delivered on October 28, 2010. The next four of the class are planned to be delivered before late 2011.
Between 1997 and 2004, DCNS was prime contractor for the modernisation of 14 Hauk-class fast patrol boats for the Norwegian Navy.
