Norwegian frigate to be sent to Somalia

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The Norwegian navy's new frigate is expected to be deployed to the Gulf of Aden to combat piracy in Somalia.

The Fridtjof Nansen, named after the Norwegian explorer, oceanographer and diplomat, is one of five frigates under construction at Nevanti Shipyards in Spain. Aftenposten reported. Sverre Diesen, head of the armed forces, said that the ship could be deployed as early as next spring as part of an international force protecting protect civilian ships.

The deployment needs approval from the United Nations and the Norwegian parliament.