BAE Systems and Nammo sign MoU on potential munitions collaboration

BAE Systems and Nammo signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the British Embassy in Oslo on 25 June 2025 to explore opportunities to work together on munitions and energetics, including a potential collaboration on the development of additional rocket motor production capacity in Norway.

The agreement, attended by the British Ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson CMG OBE, covers ammunition across a range of calibres from 30 mm to 155 mm and aims to deepen the relationship between the two companies. It could develop still further should Norway choose the UK option for its future frigate requirement.

The companies have previously worked on munitions supply, explosives and propellant manufacturing process and capacity improvements in Raufoss, supporting Norwegian, UK and export markets.

Tomas Ramse Andersen, Nammo Group’s senior vice president for business development, was quoted by BAE Systems as saying, “The strengthening of the partnership between Nammo and BAE Systems creates new opportunities for Norway and our allied customers. Both Nammo and BAE Systems are recognised leaders in munitions and advanced defence technologies, and deepening our collaboration is a positive step forward for defence capabilities in both Norway and the UK.”

The UK is one of four potential partner nations being considered for Norway’s future frigate programme as part of a wider country-to-country defence partnership. The UK offer centres around the Type 26 frigate built by BAE Systems in Glasgow, on which the BAE Systems Mk 45 five-inch gun will feature.

Should Norway choose the UK offer to fulfill its future frigate requirement, BAE Systems and Nammo will explore collaboration in a new rocket motor production line in Norway with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). The companies will also examine the potential to develop a Norwegian manufacturing solution for the five-inch (127 mm) ammunition for the Mk 45 gun for both the Norwegian and British navies as well as for wider export.

Steve Cardew, BAE Systems’ business development director for munitions, stated, “The growth of the collaboration between Nammo and BAE Systems offers significant additional potential for Norway and export customers, as well as demonstrating the depth and breadth of the long-term UK industrial co-operation offer to Norway for its future frigate programme. Both of our companies are well known for our expertise in munitions and wider defence technology and enhancing our work together is good news for both Norway and the UK.”