# UK Procures Norwegian Mine-Hunting Vessels

On November 12, 2026, the UK confirmed it will join Norway’s P1118 Standardised Vessel Programme and acquire three Offshore Support Vessels to serve as motherships for Royal Navy uncrewed mine-hunting operations. The UK has allocated £90 million for the acquisition, with an option for three additional vessels and first delivery expected in 2031; the vessel contract’s total value and any open solicitation have not been disclosed. The agreement sits within the UK-Norway Maritime Capability Partnership Framework. Related activity includes a separate £8.8 million Ministry of Defence maintenance award to TKMS ATLAS UK and reported £90 million funding for Atlantic Net autonomous systems and sensors.

- Shipbuilders and suppliers may find potential supply-chain work in vessel construction, platform integration, autonomous mine-countermeasure systems, and advanced sensors, but the signals identify no competition or procurement contact for the vessels.
- The three-vessel commitment and option for three more indicate a possible longer-term demand pipeline; the first delivery is expected in 2031.
- The TKMS ATLAS UK maintenance award shows a separate support requirement for autonomous mine-hunting systems. Contractors should distinguish this awarded work from the vessel acquisition, whose awardee and contract value are not stated.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Transportation
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** November 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Royal Navy (RN)
- Norwegian Ministry of Defence
- Government of Norway

### Vendors
- TKMS ATLAS UK (awardee)
- Ocean Infinity (contractor for the Atlantic Net contract)
- Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (designer)
- Salt Ship Design (designer)

### Key Quotes
> This deal strengthens our ability to protect freedom of navigation, which is critical to our security and our economy.
> — Wes Streeting, Defence Secretary

> Operating similar platforms will enhance our navy-to-navy cooperation and further improve our ability to operate seamlessly together, protecting and safeguarding NATO’s northern flank.
> — Tore O. Sandvik, Norwegian Defence Minister

### Sources
- [New mine-hunting motherships to bolster the Royal Navy fleet - when](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/new-mine-hunting-motherships-royal-navy-deal-norway-9348251) - Portsmouth News
- [UK and Norway seal Royal Navy mine-hunting mothership deal](https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-and-norway-seal-royal-navy-mine-hunting-mothership-deal) - UK Defence Journal
- [British Navy to Be Reinforced with Norwegian Mine-Hunting Drone Motherships](https://militarnyi.com/en/news/british-navy-reinforced-norwegian-mine-hunting-drone-motherships) - Мілітарний