The French FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigate, Amiral Ronarc’h | Image: Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)
Sweden has begun the process for acquiring four new frigates for the Royal Swedish Navy under the Luleå-class programme, with the Swedish government directing the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to begin negotiations with France’s Naval Group for ships based on the FDI (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) design.
According to the Swedish government, the ships are planned for delivery between 2030 and 2034 and are intended to expand the country’s maritime air defence capabilities. The procurement forms part of Sweden’s long-term defence plans that were outlined in both the 2020 defence bill and the defence bill adopted in December 2024.
The Swedish government stated that the procurement process is being focused on an existing vessel design already in production to reduce delivery timelines. Swedish officials said delivery schedules and the ability to obtain a complete ship system with integrated air defence capability influenced the decision.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the decision reflected the security environment currently facing Sweden.
“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 defence investments since the Gripen fighter jet in the 1980s. Compared to today, it represents a tripling of our air defence capabilities,” said Prime Minister Kristersson.
Minister for Defence Pål Jonson also commented on the planned acquisition.
“These new surface combat vessels will triple Sweden’s air defence capabilities and represent a major upgrade for the Swedish Navy,” said Jonson.
Illustration of the FDI frigate | Image: Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)/Naval Group
The Swedish government said the vessels are expected to contribute to NATO’s integrated air and missile defence architecture and support the operational capabilities of both Sweden and the alliance.
The ships are also expected to include equipment from Swedish suppliers. Saab systems planned for integration include the Saab lightweight torpedo, RBS 15 anti-ship missile system, Giraffe 1X surveillance radar and the Trackfire Remote Weapon Station. Equipment from BAE Systems Bofors is expected to include 57 mm and 40 mm naval gun systems.
Separately, Naval Group announced that Sweden had selected the company for exclusive discussions for the programme following a competition process. The company stated that its FDI frigates are already operational with the French and Hellenic navies and that existing production lines could support Sweden’s planned delivery schedule.
The Swedish government stated that negotiations will now continue before any final order is placed.
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