DCNS and its Norwegian partners deliver the fifth Skjold Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) to the Norwegian Navy.
The six-boat Skjold program is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as the combat system design authority and co- supplier. The naming ceremony of the new delivery Gnist recently took place at Umoe yard in Mandal.
Skjold FPBs are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway’s littoral waters. The combat system is tailored to demanding environments and reduced crewing. 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 as they will be upgraded with a state-of-the-art satellite communications system.
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 Norwegian authorities entrusted the Skjold program to a consortium of three contractors with DCNS as the combat system design authority and co-supplier. DCNS is working with Norwegian contractors Umoe Mandal and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, through the Skjold Prime Consortium.
Recently, NDLO has awarded an additional contract to DCNS for the Follow-On Technical Support of the SENIT 2000 Combat Management System (CMS) of the Skjold vessels.