Sweden selects French Naval Group for €3.5 billion frigate deal
The Nordic nation’s largest defence investment since the 1980s aims to triple air defence capabilities, with deliveries scheduled between 2030 and 2035.
The Swedish government has finalised a deal to acquire four new frigates from France’s Naval Group, marking one of the country’s most significant defence investments since the introduction of the Gripen fighter jet in the 1980s. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the acquisition during a press conference, stating that the government had completed an analysis of three rival bids to identify the option best suited to meet national security requirements.
The selected vessels are based on the French Defence and Intervention (FDI) model and will be named HSwMS Lulea, Norrköping, Trelleborg, and Halmstad. According to Kristersson, the acquisition will triple Sweden’s air defence capability compared to current levels. The first ship is expected to be delivered by 2030, with the remaining three following by 2035, providing a 40-year operational lifespan for the fleet.
Defence Minister Pal Jonson cited several factors in the selection of the French offer over competitors. These included the potential for quick delivery, cost-sharing arrangements with France and fellow customer Greece, and the inclusion of a proven air defence system. Jonson also noted that the ships would be outfitted to accommodate weapons systems developed in Sweden, including those produced by Saab.
The decision followed a competitive bidding process that included offers from Spain’s Navantia and a joint bid from Britain’s Babcock and Sweden’s Saab. Neighboring Norway recently chose Babcock’s Arrowhead 120 frigates over the same FDI model, highlighting divergent procurement strategies in the region. The total estimated cost of the deal exceeds €3.5 billion, with each ship costing just over 10 billion Swedish crowns, though ministers stressed these figures remain estimates.
This procurement aligns with Sweden’s broader strategic shift following its accession to NATO in March 2024. The right-of-center coalition government aims to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, exceeding NATO’s standard targets. The new frigates will represent a substantial expansion of maritime capabilities, supplementing the current fleet of Visby-class corvettes and older Gävle-class vessels.
