The Swedish Government has commissioned the FMV to start negotiations on the acquisition of FDI-class frigates from the France’s Naval Group.
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Press Release, Stockholm, 19 May 2026: [auto-translated] The Government has today commissioned the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to start negotiations on the acquisition of four frigates of the class Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) from the French Naval Group. The four frigates will be called Luleå class in Sweden and expected to be delivered in the period 2030-2034.
The acquisition of new surface warships is an important part of both the defence decision from 2020 and the defence decision made in December 2024. The latter states that the acquisition will begin during the defence decision-making period 2025-2030.
“We have to do everything right here at home when the world is messy and dangerous. Protect Sweden, Swedes and Swedish interests. This is one of the biggest defence investments since Gripen in the 80s. A tripling of the air defence compared to today. It says something about the extent of this decision for Swedish security at sea – but also about the security for all Swedes, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
“With the new surface combat vessels, Sweden will get triple the air defence compared to the present while the Navy’s ability is greatly strengthened,” said Minister of Defence Pål Jonson.
Time is important and France has presented a balanced and realistic alternative. Delivery time and delivery reliability of a complete ship system with associated air defence capability have weighed heavily in the reasons for the government’s assessment. This is necessary based on the serious security situation Sweden is in. For a shortest possible delivery time, the Government considers that the acquisition needs to focus on an already fully developed ship system that is in production.
The development of the world means that qualified air defence is essential for Sweden’s security and is a dimensioning part of both NATO and the Armed Forces’ capabilities. The frigates will be a key resource in NATO’s overall integrated air and robotic detachment, IAMD.
The ships will be equipped with several subsystems from Swedish suppliers. From Saab this will be Torped 47, the RBS 15 counter-UAS missile system, G1X radar and the Trackfire system. From BAE Systems Bofors there will be 57 mm and 40 mm cannons.
This is a first step in a comprehensive process. After the hearing is completed, an order can be placed.
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