In a significant move toward enhancing naval capabilities, France’s defense minister announced on Monday that the country is prepared to supply Sweden with a “fully equipped” frigate as part of Sweden’s ambition to expand its naval fleet. Sweden aims to acquire four new warships, with plans for the delivery of two ships by 2030 and two more by 2035, according to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).
Hosting her French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, in Stockholm, Swedish Defence Minister PÃ¥l Jonson emphasized that while discussions are active, no final decision has yet been made. Jonson expressed hopes for a resolution by early 2026.
Several international defense contractors are in the running for this contract, including France’s Naval Group, the UK’s Babcock, Spain’s Navantia, and Sweden’s own Saab. Vautrin revealed during a press conference that France formally presented its offer last October, showcasing its readiness to deliver a fully equipped frigate, complete with advanced defense systems, by 2030.
She highlighted the potential for collaboration with Swedish industry, specifically mentioning Saab, which could play a crucial role in the partnership. “Our model already exists, as we currently have an operational frigate, the Amiral Ronarc’h,” Vautrin added, with plans for the ship to visit Gothenburg next year.
The discussions also covered Saab’s GlobalEye radar aircraft. France and Sweden recently signed a letter of intent for France to acquire two GlobalEye units, with the option for two additional units in the future. Vautrin indicated that GlobalEye is of particular interest for its surveillance capabilities and promised forthcoming announcements regarding this collaboration.
As Sweden seeks to bolster its maritime defense, the outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for both nations’ military partnerships and regional security initiatives.
