The Skjold-class corvette - Norway's small but punchy coastal defence vessel

Norway's coastline is the second longest in the world with more than 1,000 fjords of all sizes.

Protecting this from adversaries is a challenge, but the country can count on a number of fast-reaction craft designed to hit hard and then disappear.

The Royal Norwegian Navy's Skjold-class corvette was designed specifically for anti-invasion operations in the littoral waters of Norway's fjords.  

• Royal Navy's smallest ships having a big impact on Exercise Tamber Shield in Norway
• Royal Navy vessels and helicopters join allies in Norway for Exercise Tamber Shield
• HMS Biter officer captures stunning shots of Northern Lights in Norway

The 155ft vessel is one of the fastest combat ships in the world, reaching speeds of up to 60 knots.

It has an air cushioned catamaran design, which makes it highly manoeuvrable, and its shallow draft allows it to access waters others can't.

On top of all of this, it carries eight Naval Strike missiles and a 76mm Super Rapid gun.

Norway was planning to retire these corvettes in 2025, but their service life has been extended beyond 2030 thanks to an update package.