Sweden selects supplier for long anticipated frigate programme

Sweden has selected France’s Naval Group as supplier for four new frigates in what the government described as one of the country’s largest defence investments since the introduction of the Gripen fighter aircraft in the 1980s.

The announcement was made during a government press conference aboard a Visby-class corvette in Stockholm. 

According to Swedish public broadcaster SVT, the programme is valued at around 40 billion SEK and concerns four new air-defence frigates intended to significantly expand the navy’s operational reach.

The procurement is closely tied to the security situation in Northern Europe and Sweden’s role within Nato following the country’s recent accession to the alliance.

- These are the ships that best meet the Swedish requirements, says Sweden’s prime minister Ulf Kristersson in the press meeting.

Before the announcement, three European shipbuilders were reported to be competing for the contract. It was confirmed during the press meeting that suppliers from Spain, the UK and France were considered for the programme.

The Swedish government has not disclosed detailed technical specifications for the vessels, but the frigates are expected to strengthen both national air defence and maritime operations. 

The programme is expected to become one of the most significant naval procurements in Sweden in recent decades and could create opportunities for Nordic suppliers through industrial cooperation agreements and subcontracting linked to the frigate construction programme.