Uruguay has expressed, in government-to-government negotiations, its interest in acquiring the Nordkapp-class vessels that the Norwegian Coast Guard is decommissioning. The class has three ships, launched between 1981 and 1982, with a displacement of 3200 tons and 105 meters in length, powered by fourWichmann9AXAGengines that allow it to reach a speed of 22 knots and a range of 7,500 miles. Its crew consists of 55 sailors plus six personnel to operate the helicopter that can be transported in a hangar.
The electronics consist of aHensoldtTRS-3D ES radar, aCelsiusTech9LV 218fire control system and aSimradSS105 helmet-mounted sonar. The armament, a 57mmBoforsgun. Additionally, given the vessel’s dual ability to operate in both coast guard and military police missions within the Norwegian Navy, the vessel can receive a diverse amount of additional weaponry and electronic systems, including missiles, torpedoes and electronic warfare systems.
Of the three vessels, two remain active, while one was withdrawn from service in 2021. This last unit years before its retirement was sailing without theTRS-3D search radar and it is unknown if other systems were removed before its decommissioning. Of the remaining two units, one will be deployed in 2023 as part of Norway’s naval contribution to NATO, fulfilling missions as a command and control ship of the number 1 anti-mine group of the aforementioned multinational force.