Swedish Navy: French & Spanish Warships Compete for Deal
- Sweden is expected to decide early this year on a supplier for four new frigates, its largest surface combatants in nearly 50 years.
- According to Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson, a final decision on the roughly $5 billion contract is likely in early 2026.
- France is actively competing for the contract, having sailed its new frigate, the Amiral Ronarc’h, into Gothenburg harbor on Monday, February 2, 2026, as part of its efforts...
Sweden Nears Decision on Multi-Billion Dollar Frigate Deal
Sweden is expected to decide early this year on a supplier for four new frigates, its largest surface combatants in nearly 50 years. The acquisition marks a significant expansion of Sweden’s naval capabilities following its recent accession to NATO, with a particular focus on anti-air warfare.
According to Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson, a final decision on the roughly $5 billion contract is likely in early 2026. “We’re looking at what frigates there are that are available, that would also suit our quite ambitious timeline,” Jonson said in November 2025. The plan is to have two frigates in service “ideally by 2030” and another two by 2035.
France is actively competing for the contract, having sailed its new frigate, the Amiral Ronarc’h, into Gothenburg harbor on Monday, February 2, 2026, as part of its efforts to sway Sweden. French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin stated that France is prepared to deliver a fully equipped frigate by 2030, including defense systems, and offered a partnership with Swedish industry, specifically Saab.
“We could deliver a frigate in 2030, an entirely equipped one including defensive [systems],” Vautrin said, according to reports. Paris reportedly made an offer in October 2025.
The new vessels, to be named the Luleå class, will be significantly larger than Sweden’s current Visby-class corvettes. The decision to pursue a larger warship and, a foreign design, was made last year. Sweden’s Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has completed a market survey of available frigates but has yet to announce a final selection.
Several companies are vying for the contract, including France’s Naval Group, the UK’s Babcock, Spain’s Navantia, and Sweden’s Saab. Spanish shipbuilder Navantia recently had a vessel arrive at Stadsgårdskajen, reportedly as part of their bid.
The Swedish Navy’s expanding naval ambitions and increased focus on anti-air warfare are driving the need for these new frigates. The acquisition reflects a shift in priorities since Sweden joined NATO, requiring enhanced capabilities to address evolving security challenges.
Saab is expected to be involved in the project, potentially through a partnership with the selected shipbuilder. Discussions have also taken place regarding France’s potential purchase of Saab’s GlobalEye radar aircraft, with France expected to make announcements on the matter.