A Royal Norwegian Navy surface combatant frigate will join a British carrier strike group for a mission that underscores the commitment of both nations to NATO interoperability and maritime security in the North Atlantic.​

British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its carrier strike group set out April 23 on Operation Highmast, an eight-month mission.

The international mission aims to demonstrate the collective resolve of the United Kingdom, United States, and allies to maintaining security and freedom from the Atlantic to the Pacific, according to the British Royal Navy.

The carrier strike group will conduct a series of exercises and operations with the air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia.

Two Norwegian vessels, the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F311) and tanker HNoMS Maud have set sail from Norway to join the carrier strike group.

Norwegian frigate, US technology

Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, named after Norwegian explorers, serve as the main surface combatant units of the Royal Norwegian Navy.

The frigates -- originally intended as replacements for aging Oslo-class frigates, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare -- have evolved to a more multi-role design to include anti-aircraft defense and surface-to-surface missiles.

Roald Amundsen is equipped with a US-made 8-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS), allowing for rapid deployment of various missile types.

The VLS -- a modular missile launcher typically found in naval platforms -- enables the frigate to engage air, surface and subsurface targets effectively.

The Mk 41 is a vital part of NATO naval operations, due to its adaptability and ability to integrate with multiple missile types via the Extensible Launching System.

Roald Amundsen is armed with the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), designed to counter supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles.

It also has the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), a Norwegian-developed, stealthy, sea-skimming missile capable of both anti-ship and land-attack roles.

Additionally, the ship is armed with British-made Sting Ray lightweight torpedoes, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Versatile armaments and aviation support

On its deck, Roald Amundsen boasts a 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid Gun, a versatile weapon system capable of firing up to 120 rounds per minute against air, surface and shore targets, with a maximum range of 40km.

As part of its multi-role design, Roald Amundsen also has a flight deck and hangar that can support operations of the NH90 helicopter.

The multi-role NH90 rotorcraft is designed to meet NATO standards with a fully-integrated missions system for multi-role operations. It is equipped for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue and surveillance missions.​

Roald Amundsen's advanced systems and capabilities will be an asset to the mission and enhance the collective maritime defense posture of NATO allies.