France to supply Sweden with 4 frigates to bolster the NATO country’s defense

Sweden and France signed a 4.3 billion-euro ($5 billion) agreement Monday for four French-built frigates, strengthening Stockholm’s naval capabilities as NATO’s newest member responds to security concerns in the Baltic Sea. Signed in Stockholm during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, the contract covers Naval Group’s FDI-class ships, weapons, equipment and training. Sweden’s government said deliveries will begin in 2030 and continue through 2034, while Defense Minister Pål Jonson said the vessels will triple Sweden’s current air-defense capability. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the frigates will provide long-range maritime capabilities and protection against ballistic missiles. The ships will join Sweden’s expanding military posture after its 2024 NATO accession. Macron described the agreement as strengthening Europe’s defense industrial base and urged greater European cooperation. France and Sweden also signed a broader defense framework. Reports of potential French cruise missiles remain conditional; the signed contract does not yet include that launch system for now.