Article Posted on : - Apr 19, 2012

A DCNS photo.

PARIS (BNS): French Naval Defence Company DCNS has recently delivered the fourth-of-class fast patrol boat (FPB) P964-Glimt to the Royal Norwegian Navy.

First-of-class P961-Storm was handed over on 9 September 2010, second-of-class P962-Skudd on 28 October 2010 and third-of-class P963-Steil on 30 June 2011.

Skjold FPBs are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway's littoral waters.

With a length of around 50 meters, Skjold-class FPBs are heavily armed for their size. The combat system features eight anti-ship missiles and a 76-mm gun that can engage several targets at once at ranges exceeding 12 kilometers.

The communications and sensor suites are fully compatible with active participation in international and NATO-led operations.

The vessels communication capabilities will be further enhanced by upgrading it with a state-of-the-art satellite communications system.

The contract for this new capability has been awarded to the Skjold Prime Consortium by Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO).

The six-boat Skjold programme is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as the combat system design authority and co-supplier.