Sweden to Buy French Frigates to Bolster Baltic Sea Air Defense
On May 19, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Defence Minister Pål Jonson, and Chief of Defence Michael Claesson announced the purchase of four FDI medium-sized frigates from France's Naval Group. The frigates possess strong air and ballistic missile defense capabilities, which will enhance the air defense of Sweden and the Baltic Sea region.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 22:40
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Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Defence Minister Pål Jonson, and Chief of Defence Michael Claesson held a press conference today to announce the purchase of four FDI medium-sized frigates from France's Naval Group. The FDI frigates feature powerful air and ballistic missile defense capabilities, poised to enhance the air defense of both Sweden and the Baltic Sea region.
The press conference was held aboard a Swedish Navy Visby-class corvette, where Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Defence Minister Pål Jonson, and Chief of Defence Michael Claesson announced the deal.
Kristersson stated that this is one of the largest military investment projects since the procurement of Gripen fighter jets in the 1980s and will triple Sweden's maritime air defense capabilities.
The medium-sized frigates Sweden will acquire have a larger displacement than the current Visby-class corvettes, can carry nearly three times the crew, and possess strong air and ballistic missile defense capabilities. Their operational range extends beyond Sweden's borders, contributing to the defense of the Baltic Sea region and NATO operations.
Kristersson expressed his belief that this investment will enable Sweden to contribute to the future security of the Baltic Sea region.
According to Jonson, one FDI frigate costs approximately 10 billion Swedish Kronor (about NT$37.72 billion), but the final price will be determined after negotiating equipment details with Naval Group.
He said this is a major transaction because the frigates' design is already complete, with the first ship expected for delivery in 2030, followed by one per year as planned.
In February of this year, Swedish Television (SVT) reported that to counter the threat from Russia at sea, Sweden planned to procure four larger frigates from France, Spain, or the United Kingdom to defend maritime transport, shipping lanes, and coastal cities.
At the time, Defence Minister Jonson told SVT that such a military investment is a crucial strategic resource in the gray zone between war and peace.
The report noted that this procurement symbolizes a paradigm shift for the Swedish Navy. These frigates will become a powerful political tool for Sweden and can also serve as a diplomatic signal, for instance, by demonstrating solidarity and goodwill through participation in exercises in international waters.
However, the purchase has drawn criticism from some experts. Professor Hans Liwång of the Swedish Defence University argued that frigates are very valuable targets for an enemy and are often attacked first in wartime. He suggested Sweden should instead acquire smaller vessels and land-based, long-range air defense systems.
An editorial in the newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (SvD) criticized that at a time when cheap drones are rapidly developing and becoming important weapons of war, expensive frigates face an increased risk of attack and are not cost-effective.
The press conference was held aboard a Swedish Navy Visby-class corvette, where Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Defence Minister Pål Jonson, and Chief of Defence Michael Claesson announced the deal.
Kristersson stated that this is one of the largest military investment projects since the procurement of Gripen fighter jets in the 1980s and will triple Sweden's maritime air defense capabilities.
The medium-sized frigates Sweden will acquire have a larger displacement than the current Visby-class corvettes, can carry nearly three times the crew, and possess strong air and ballistic missile defense capabilities. Their operational range extends beyond Sweden's borders, contributing to the defense of the Baltic Sea region and NATO operations.
Kristersson expressed his belief that this investment will enable Sweden to contribute to the future security of the Baltic Sea region.
According to Jonson, one FDI frigate costs approximately 10 billion Swedish Kronor (about NT$37.72 billion), but the final price will be determined after negotiating equipment details with Naval Group.
He said this is a major transaction because the frigates' design is already complete, with the first ship expected for delivery in 2030, followed by one per year as planned.
In February of this year, Swedish Television (SVT) reported that to counter the threat from Russia at sea, Sweden planned to procure four larger frigates from France, Spain, or the United Kingdom to defend maritime transport, shipping lanes, and coastal cities.
At the time, Defence Minister Jonson told SVT that such a military investment is a crucial strategic resource in the gray zone between war and peace.
The report noted that this procurement symbolizes a paradigm shift for the Swedish Navy. These frigates will become a powerful political tool for Sweden and can also serve as a diplomatic signal, for instance, by demonstrating solidarity and goodwill through participation in exercises in international waters.
However, the purchase has drawn criticism from some experts. Professor Hans Liwång of the Swedish Defence University argued that frigates are very valuable targets for an enemy and are often attacked first in wartime. He suggested Sweden should instead acquire smaller vessels and land-based, long-range air defense systems.
An editorial in the newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (SvD) criticized that at a time when cheap drones are rapidly developing and becoming important weapons of war, expensive frigates face an increased risk of attack and are not cost-effective.