Rising tensions in the Baltic Sea: The Swedish Navy turns to France and wants to buy four defense and intervention frigates for 5 billion euros

Faced with rising tensions in the Baltic Sea, Sweden could take a strategic step by turning to France to modernize its fleet to the detriment of the national manufacturer Saab. The Royal Swedish Navy has recommended to its government the acquisition of four defense and intervention frigates (FDI) built by the French Naval Group, as part of the new generation program for surface vessels, the economic weekly reports on May 14, 2026. Affärsvärlden. This proposal aims to modernize the Swedish fleet with two units deliverable by 2030 and two others by 2035, for a budget estimated at 5 billion euros, or around 1.25 billion per unit, specifies the specialized site Opex360.

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A Franco-Swedish partnership strengthened since 2024

France and Sweden renewed their strategic partnership in January 2024, in a letter of intent signed by ministers Sébastien Lecornu and PÃ¥l Jonson, covering missiles, aerial surveillance and naval capabilities. Naval Group offered its frigates for the Swedish “LuleÃ¥ class” program, accepting construction of the hulls in Lorient while integrating the armament in Karlskrona in Sweden. In November 2025, Minister Catherine Vautrin assured possible delivery from 2030, with a Saab partnership for Swedish systems.

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The FDI: a versatile and proven design

At the heart of this industrial cooperation, the FDI frigates constitute the central element of the French offer. These 4,460 ton vessels succeed the FREMM and have already equipped the French Navy since 2025, with the first Admiral Ronarc’h unit visiting Gothenburg in early 2026. Capable of neutralizing aerial threats using Sea Fire radar and Aster missiles, as well as underwater targets via sonar and torpedoes, these ships also integrate drones, helicopters and special forces Sold. In Greece (Kimon class), they compete with the British Type 31 and the American Constellation class.

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Intense competition and French advantage

The Swedish FMV and the armed forces studied the market. According to FMV’s assessments, Babcock’s offer (Arrowhead 140 with Saab) would have been partially rejected due to deadlines considered too long. Stockholm is aiming for a rapid decision, prioritizing an operational “turnkey” frigate as soon as possible. Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, highlights the production capacity: two frigates per year in Lorient.