The Ministries of Defence of Norway and the United Kingdom have agreed to a joint program for a major acquisition of Commando Craft over the next four years. These craft will support military littoral operations along NATO’s Northern Atlantic flank and the Baltic Sea region. The program was announced in a Norwegian Defence Material Agency release. The projected budget for the Joint Commando Craft (JCC) is £237 million (US$316 million), with up to 30 craft planned. Currently, Saab’s CB-90 is in service with Norway and has been evaluated by the Royal Marines; it is available in versions up to 20 metres.
The JCC is expected to measure around 24 metres (79 feet) in length, with a beam of 7.5 metres (24.6 feet) and a displacement of approximately sixty tonnes. The craft will need to operate independently for several days. It is anticipated that they will be equipped with enhanced situational awareness systems, including navigation, day/night electro-optics, radar, and other advanced sensors, with unmanned aerial systems and masts likely to be incorporated. Similarly, the JCC may be armed with stabilised, remotely controlled stations featuring medium autocannons, as well as various surface-launched missiles and loitering munitions.
Three variants of the JCC are proposed, all utilising a common hull. The A-variant will be configured for ISR missions. The B-variant will emphasise payload capacity, capable of carrying twenty-four fully equipped troops, light vehicles, or six-tonne loads. The C-variant serves as a baseline platform for training or secondary roles.
The craft will be operated by the UK Royal Marines Commandos and the Norwegian Coastal Ranger Commando. Their missions will include transporting, inserting, and recovering personnel and equipment, as well as patrolling, boarding, conducting raids, and performing ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). The aim is to develop a craft with enhanced endurance, survivability, manoeuvrability, and sea-keeping in open and coastal waters. The design is likely to utilise advanced materials, sensors, and lessons learned from previous designs.
A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued to gather responses on potential solutions, including possible designs, suppliers, technical and performance data, prices, and delivery schedules. Since production is expected to take place in Norway, provisions for manufacturing must be incorporated. It is also likely that the maturity, proven experience, and relevant track record of the design and designer will be key criteria. The JCC cooperation aligns with a wider set of initiatives under the Linna House Agreement signed by the two countries in December, which highlights maritime capabilities.
It is noteworthy that in 2023, the UK announced its intention to develop a new high-speed, low-signature Command Insertion Craft (CIC) to replace the Royal Marines’ current Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) MK5. Since this is likely to be a new class of vessel, it could allow for designs such as an adaptation of the BAE Maritime Systems Littoral Strike Craft (LSC), which is already a joint project between the countries and Norway’s Umoe Mandal (although the LSC is currently envisioned at 19.95 metres and 45 tons displacement). At DESI 2025, Leidos showcased its Sea Dagger Commando Insertion Craft model, which it may propose. Another CIC contender is Steller Systems. Although not officially announced, it is possible the UK CIC, which initially envisioned twenty-four craft, may be superseded by the JCC programme. JCC’s schedule predicts prototypes by 2028, followed by trials and subsequent spiral production.
by Stephen W. Miller
