Sweden Confirms Purchase of Four French Frigates

According to a report by Reference News Network on May 22, Reuters reported on May 19 that the Swedish government announced on the 19th that it has selected the French Naval Group to provide four new frigates for its navy, with the first delivery expected to be completed by 2030, and the total transaction amount is approximately 40 billion Swedish Krona (about 4.25 billion USD).

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated at a press conference that the procurement of the French Navy's Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention (FDI frigate) is the largest military investment Sweden has made since the 1980s.

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Sweden's subsequent accession to NATO, this Nordic country is accelerating its military build-up, and these new frigates will significantly enhance Sweden's maritime defense capabilities.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that the Swedish government has requested that the vessels be equipped with several Swedish-developed weapon systems, including those developed by Saab Group.

Jonson indicated that the cost of each frigate is expected to be around 10 billion Swedish Krona, with the specific amount depending on the weapon systems onboard, and the first delivery of the frigates is scheduled for 2030.

The Swedish government previously revealed that these new frigates will become the largest surface combatants in the Swedish Navy by tonnage, with an expected service life of about 40 years.

These frigates are seen as core equipment for Sweden's air defense capabilities and for safeguarding the security of the Baltic Sea. In addition to these four frigates, the Swedish Navy also operates five smaller Visby-class corvettes and is currently upgrading its submarine fleet. (Translated by Liu Zongya)