Sweden Signs $5 Billion Deal To Acquire Four Modern French Frigates

Sweden signed a €4.3 billion ($5 billion) deal with French shipbuilder Naval Group on Monday to buy four frigates.

The deal was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Stockholm. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also attended the signing ceremony.

The first frigate is expected to be delivered in 2030. The four ships will be the largest vessels in the Swedish navy.

The frigates will give Sweden long-range capabilities at sea and protection against ballistic missiles, Kristersson said.

The ships will be fitted with Aster 30 air-defence interceptor missiles and could also carry naval cruise missiles for long-range strikes, Macron said.

Sweden announced in May that it would buy the frigates from Naval Group in a deal worth about $4 billion. The purchase is expected to triple the country’s air-defence capacity.

Sweden strengthens military after Russia’s invasion

Sweden is building up its military after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led it to abandon its long-standing policy of neutrality.

The country is also NATO’s newest member. European governments have increased defence spending as they face pressure from the United States and growing uncertainty over whether they can rely on US support.

Macron said the deal would strengthen Europe’s defence industry and technology as countries take more responsibility for their security. He said the deal would also strengthen NATO’s European defence role.

Kristersson said European countries were taking more responsibility for their security and strengthening NATO’s European role.

France and Sweden deepen defence cooperation

Macron called the deal a major strategic partnership between France and Sweden. He said it would strengthen Europe’s defence efforts and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Macron and Kristersson held talks aboard the Amiral Ronarc’h, the first ship in a new series of French “defence and intervention” frigates.

The vessel was launched in 2022 and delivered to the French navy in October 2025. Sweden is buying frigates of the same class.

The two leaders were also scheduled to hold a working dinner later on Monday.

The talks were also expected to cover Sweden’s participation in a French initiative to coordinate nuclear deterrence efforts with European allies.

Macron said Sweden would help support the Paris-led nuclear deterrence scheme, which aims to strengthen security in Europe.

References: Reuters, Le Monde