The Government has recently tasked the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration with initiating negotiations on the procurement of four frigates based on the FDI concept (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) from France’s Naval Group. The four frigates, which will be part of Sweden’s Luleå class program, are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2034.
The procurement of new surface combat vessels was included as an important part of both the 2020 defense bill and the defense bill adopted in December 2024. The latter states that the procurement process is to begin during the 2025–2030 defense planning period.
“When the world is a turbulent and dangerous place, it’s important we make sure that our own house is in order. That means protecting Sweden’s borders, population and safeguarding Swedish interests. This is one of Sweden’s largest defense investments since the Gripen fighter jet in the 1980s. Compared to today, it represents a tripling of our air defense capabilities. That tells you something of the significance of this decision and what it means for Swedish maritime security, but also for the security of all Swedes, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
“These new surface combat vessels will triple Sweden’s air defense capabilities and represent a major upgrade for the Swedish Navy,” says Minister for Defense Pål Jonson.
Time is of the essence, and France has presented a balanced and realistic option. Delivery timelines and reliability in delivering a complete ship system with integrated air defense capability have weighed heavily in the Government’s assessment. This is necessary considering the current security situation facing Sweden. The Government has determined that the procurement process must focus on a fully developed vessel program that is already in production to minimize the delivery time.
Developments in the international security environment underline the importance of advanced air defense capabilities to Sweden’s security, and as a key component of both NATO’s and the Swedish Armed Forces’ operational capability. Collectively, the frigates will make an important contribution to NATO’s integrated air and missile defense capability.
The ships will be equipped with several subsystems from Swedish suppliers. From Saab, this includes the Saab lightweight Torpedo, the RBS 15 anti-ship missile system, Giraffe 1X surveillance radar and the Trackfire Remote Weapon Station. From BAE Systems Bofors, this includes 57 mm and 40 mm multi-target Naval Gun Systems.
This is the first step of an extensive process. Once negotiations have been concluded, an order may be placed.