- Sweden selects France’s Naval Group for next-generation Luleå-class frigates
- Four-warship program marks Sweden’s biggest naval investment in decades
- French FDI design chosen over bids from Navantia and Babcock-Saab
Sweden has selected Naval Group’s FDI frigates for its next-generation Luleå-class naval program, advancing efforts to strengthen the country’s air defense and maritime capabilities, Breaking Defense reported Tuesday.
Why Did Sweden Select Naval Group’s FDI Frigates?
Swedish officials said the French-built frigates best met the country’s operational and delivery requirements. The government cited the platform’s production readiness, delivery timeline, and integrated air defense systems as key factors behind the decision, choosing the French proposal over competing bids from Navantia and the Babcock–Saab joint venture.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden plans to negotiate with Naval Group for four frigates, with the first vessel expected in 2030. The program marks the country’s largest defense acquisition since the early 1980s and the Swedish Navy’s most significant surface combatant effort in nearly 50 years.
What Capabilities Will the New Frigates Provide?
The 4,600-ton, 122-meter FDI frigates will be equipped with MBDA Aster 30 long-range air defense missiles capable of intercepting ballistic missile threats, as well as the CAMM-ER air defense system designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and drones. The vessels will also carry Saab RBS 15 anti-ship missiles and Giraffe radars, Torpedo 47 systems, Trackfire remote weapon stations and BAE Systems Bofors naval guns. The frigates are also expected to feature 32 Sylver A50 vertical launch cells for Aster 15/30 missiles.
Naval Group Expands European Naval Portfolio
Naval Group has continued to expand its role in European naval modernization efforts. The company partnered with Thales to equip the Royal Netherlands Navy’s upcoming Orka-class submarines with advanced sonar systems. In 2024, the French shipbuilder also secured a contract to build four Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
