Sweden and France deepen defence-industrial ties

Sweden and France have signed a declaration of intent that could pave the way for deeper cooperation in defence, research, innovation and strategic industries, while also exploring links to European Union funding programmes.

Signed in Stockholm on 17 June, the declaration aims to strengthen preparedness, defence capabilities and resilience across a range of strategic sectors. Although not legally binding, it identifies several areas where the two countries intend to expand cooperation.

The agreement highlights the need to strengthen defence capabilities, civil preparedness and democratic resilience, while creating opportunities for joint research and development activities.

For engineering and manufacturing companies, the most significant elements relate to supply chains, technology development and defence industrial cooperation.

The two countries also intend to examine how bilateral initiatives could be connected to European Union research and innovation funding programmes.

The declaration follows a series of major defence-related agreements between Sweden and France in recent months.

On 19 May, the Swedish government selected France's Naval Group to supply four new frigates for the Royal Swedish Navy. Estimated to cost around 10 billion Swedish kronor each, the programme represents Sweden's largest defence investment since the Gripen fighter aircraft programme.

The vessels will incorporate a range of Swedish-made systems, including Saab's RBS 15 anti-ship missile, Torpedo 47, Trackfire fire-control system and Giraffe 1X radar, as well as BAE Systems Bofors' 57 mm and 40 mm naval guns.

France has also placed several significant orders with Swedish defence companies.

Earlier this year, Saab secured an order for two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, together with ground equipment, training and support. The contract is valued at approximately 12.3 billion Swedish kronor and includes an option for two additional aircraft.

On 18 May, Saab and Scania announced an order for 17 Giraffe 1X radar systems mounted on 16 Scania vehicles.

More recently, on 16 June, Saab announced that France had signed a major contract for the NLAW anti-tank missile system. The value of the NLAW and Giraffe 1X contracts has not been disclosed.

While France's Dassault Aviation and Sweden's Saab compete directly in the combat aircraft market, the two countries remain important partners through the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile programme.

On 7 April, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson suggested that further cooperation could extend to the development of a successor to the missile.