For the first time in four decades, Sweden is set to commission ships of this size. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson characterized the operation as Sweden’s most significant military investment since the 1980s. The retirement of the Östergötland class destroyers in the 1980s marked the end of large Swedish surface units capable of operating beyond the Baltic Sea.
Sweden’s accession to NATO and the deteriorating security environment in the Baltic Sea have highlighted the lack of high-seas escort capability and air defense of the Svenska Marinen. Therefore, the importance of top-notch frigates cannot be overlooked in this context.
The FDI, a frigate “ready for combat”
On May 19, Sweden announced its intention to order four FDI frigates from Naval Group as part of the program named the “LuleÃ¥ class.” These vessels are not lab prototypes. The first two units, the Amiral Ronarc’h for the French Navy and the Kimon for the Hellenic Navy, have already been delivered. Hence, Sweden will benefit from proven technology.
A tight schedule
The official goal is to have two vessels in operation ideally by 2030 and the remaining two by 2035. The FDI holds a decisive advantage in this regard. Its production line is well-established, reducing the risks of industrial delays that have plagued many other major armament programs. Technically, the ship is impressive, boasting a displacement of 4,500 tons and a length of 122 meters. The FDI features hull and towed sonars, an electronic warfare suite, vertical launchers for Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, a 76mm turret, and Exocet anti-ship missiles.
The Baltic, a focal point of tensions
“The Baltic Sea has never been as exposed, challenged, and contested in modern times as it is today,” stated Ulf Kristersson during a government press conference. Since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, the country has been strengthening its military capabilities since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. Supreme Commander Michael Claesson emphasized that the ships can operate well beyond Swedish borders and that this acquisition is crucial for Sweden’s future participation in NATO operations.
A diplomatic as well as industrial victory
From the French perspective, there is palpable satisfaction. Naval Group’s victory over the British-Swedish tandem Babcock-Saab, who offered the Arrowhead 120 frigate, has been highlighted. Swedish Defense Minister PÃ¥l Jonson emphasized the quick delivery, technical maturity, and proven air defense system to justify this choice. The decision by Stockholm was praised by President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed gratitude for the trust placed in France. Naval Group has now sold a total of 13 FDI frigates, with 5 for France, 4 for Greece, and now 4 for Sweden. The French frigate is gradually becoming a reference point within European NATO navies, a feat that was not guaranteed a decade ago.
- Total Budget: Approximately 3.7 billion euros (40 billion Swedish kronor)
- Unit Cost: Approximately 10 billion kronor per vessel (according to Defense Minister PÃ¥l Jonson)
- Timeline: Initial deliveries from 2030, final deliveries in 2035
