The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, announced that his country will purchase four French frigates from Naval Group as part of a “very important international contract in the defense industry.” The flagship of the French defense industry was preferred over competitors Babcock (UK), Saab (Sweden), and Navantia (Spain). Sweden prioritized the fast delivery of a proven frigate model. France assured its partner of providing a “completely equipped” vessel by 2030.
According to the Swedish Prime Minister, this is “one of the most significant Swedish investments in the defense sector since the introduction of the Gripen fighter jet in the 1980s.” The contract represents a tripling of anti-air defense capabilities, but the exact amount, estimated at nearly five billion euros, was not disclosed.
Context: Sweden’s significant investment in defense comes as a response to increasing security concerns in the region, particularly after the Ukrainian crisis and the country’s upcoming NATO membership.
Fact Check: Naval Group is a renowned French defense contractor known for its expertise in naval systems and shipbuilding.
Rising Military Expenditure
The frigates delivered by Naval Group to Sweden are defense and intervention frigates. This new class, set to replace the existing multi-mission frigates (FREMM), will be gradually delivered starting in 2025. The first of this type, the Admiral Ronarc’h, was delivered in late 2025 in Brest, France.
This agreement marks a success for Naval Group after losing to British frigates in Norway last year. The possibility of cost-sharing with other countries, namely France and Greece, was also highlighted by the Swedish government. The system is described as a proven naval defense system, tested and verified for this type of vessel.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has significantly increased its defense investments, parallel to its NATO membership in 2024. By 2026, the country’s defense expenditures will reach 2.8%, with a target of 3.1% by 2028.
