Sweden announced on Tuesday that it has selected Naval Group to supply four new frigates for its navy, in one of the country’s largest defence investments in recent decades.

The program concerns the French FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) type frigates, also known as Belharra, with the total cost estimated at around 40 billion Swedish kronor, or approximately $4.25 billion (€3.65 billion). It is the same frigates the Hellenic Navy has chosen too.

The largest military investment since the 1980s

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the agreement as the country’s largest military investment since the 1980s.

Stockholm is accelerating its defence procurement programmes following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s accession to NATO, aiming to significantly strengthen its defensive capabilities in the Baltic Sea.

The new frigates are expected to become the main pillar of Sweden’s maritime and anti-aircraft defence for decades to come.

Delivery from 2030 and integration of Swedish systems

Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated that the ships will be able to integrate weapons systems developed in Sweden, including technologies from Saab.

The first delivery is expected in 2030, and the vessels are expected to have a service life of around 40 years.

Naval Group wins over British and Spanish bids

The French company prevailed in the tender against a joint proposal from Britain’s Babcock International and Saab, as well as a solution from Spain’s Navantia.

The new frigates will be the largest surface warships in the Swedish fleet, which already operates five Visby-class corvettes and is also modernising its submarine fleet.

Statement by Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron made the following statement after Sweden’s announcement:

“Sweden has chosen Naval Group’s FDI frigate to modernise its navy. I thank Sweden and appreciate the trust it places in France. Following France’s decision to equip itself with Saab’s GlobalEye for renewing its airborne surveillance and early warning (AWACS) fleet, this is a major strategic decision reflecting mutual trust between our two countries. Our cooperation has further strengthened in recent years and extends to Sweden’s participation in forward defence presence. A strong and sovereign Europe within NATO — this is our shared vision for common defence and collective security. And it is built every day.”