Sweden plans to purchase four naval frigates from France in a deal worth several billion dollars.
"This is one of the largest military investments in Sweden since the introduction of the Gripen jets in the 1980s," said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a press conference on Tuesday.
The deal involves FDI-class frigates from France's Naval Group. Kristersson highlighted the ships’ air defence capabilities, which he said would "triple Sweden’s air defence capacity compared to today."
Sweden will make it a condition that systems from SAAB and Bofors are used, for example for torpedoes, guns and radar. Maintenance will also be carried out at a Swedish shipyard.
The first vessels are due to be delivered in 2030. The Swedish government stated that the short delivery time was one reason why Naval Group was chosen.
“The ships will serve as mobile platforms designed to protect airspace, detect and engage submarines, lead naval operations and, last but not least, secure maritime routes,” said Defence Minister Pål Jonson.
According to the TT news agency, the purchase price is estimated to be at least 10 billion kronor ($1.06 billion) per frigate.
