Sweden selects France’s naval group for $5 billion frigate deal

Sweden has selected France’s Naval Group SA to supply four new frigates in a deal valued at an estimated $5 billion, marking a significant expansion of the Nordic country’s naval capabilities and its role within NATO maritime operations.

The decision, announced on May 19 by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defence Minister Pål Jonson, opens formal negotiations with the selected supplier, Bloomberg reports.

Officials said the warships will be constructed at the Lorient shipyard in Brittany, France, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030.

The tender process also included bids from the UK’s Babcock International Group, Sweden’s Saab AB, and Spain’s Navantia, reflecting strong European competition for the contract.

According to Bloomberg, the procurement reflects Sweden’s shift toward a more ambitious naval posture following its NATO accession, moving beyond a traditional focus on coastal defence toward enhanced blue-water operational capability.

The new frigates are expected to allow Sweden to participate more actively in operations in the North Sea, Mediterranean, and Red Sea, strengthening NATO’s maritime presence and interoperability in key strategic regions.

By Sabina Mammadli