Norway selects British-made frigates to beef up maritime defense in $13.5 billion deal
CNN2 days
Norway, UK Agree on $14B Warship Deal
Above: HMS Glasgow, the first Type 26 frigate, at BAE Govan shipyard in Glasgow, U.K., on Nov. 25, 2022. Image copyright: Jane Barlow/PA Images/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This is an economic and strategic win for British, Norwegian and Western security. The deal secures long-term investment for British workers, further entrenches relations between two close European allies, and strengthens NATO's borders in Northern European waters. In an era of rising threats, this move will help deter Moscow from making any further mistakes in the future.
Establishment-critical narrative
This warship deal eerily mirrors the arms races of the 20th century. The NATO alliance, founded to defend democracy and liberty, now prioritizes militarism over freedom. While members restrict liberties at home, massive weapons spending abroad betrays NATO’s founding promise and risks escalating conflict rather than safeguarding peace.