Sweden has formally placed an order for four frigates from French shipbuilder Naval Group, with the agreement signed during a ceremony in Stockholm on Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson attended the event.
As NATO’s newest member, Sweden is moving rapidly to strengthen its armed forces. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted Stockholm to abandon its long-standing policy of military neutrality and seek greater security through NATO membership.
Across Europe, governments are also increasing defense budgets as pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump grows and concerns rise over the reliability of continued American support for European security.
Macron said the cooperation between France and Sweden, both members of the European Union and NATO, demonstrates that Europe is building greater strategic sovereignty through joint efforts.
He described Sweden’s frigate purchase as an important contribution to Europe’s defense industrial and technological capabilities. According to Macron, the deal comes at a time when European nations need to assume greater responsibility for their own security while strengthening NATO’s European component.
Sweden announced in May that it planned to purchase the four frigates from Naval Group under a deal valued at approximately $4 billion. The acquisition is expected to triple the country’s air-defense capacity.
The vessels will become the largest ships operated by the Swedish Navy. The first of the four frigates is scheduled for delivery in 2030.
