Sweden to Decide on New Frigate Design by 2026, Eyes GlobalEye Sale to France
Sweden is moving forward with plans to acquire four new Luleå-class frigates, with Defence Minister Pål Jonson announcing an expected decision on design partners by early 2026. The timeline represents a critical step in modernizing Sweden’s naval capabilities as the country strengthens NATO integration.
The new surface combatants will represent a substantial upgrade from current platforms, measuring approximately 394 feet compared to the existing Visby-class corvettes at 236 feet. The expanded vessels will incorporate advanced air-defense systems, unmanned platforms, and NATO-compatible technology, with delivery timelines targeting two ships by 2030 and an additional pair by 2035.
During a joint press conference with French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin in Stockholm, Jonson emphasized that air-defense capabilities and NATO interoperability would be paramount. “The air defense component is going to be important,” he stated. “It’s a step for us to integrate into NATO’s common integrated missile air defense system.”
France has positioned itself as a significant contender through Naval Group’s offering of FDI-class frigates. The baseline French design displaces 4,500 tons and measures 400 feet in length. The lead ship, Amiral Ronarc’h, completed delivery to the French Navy in October 2025 following successful sea trials validating its digital architecture and combat systems. The French Navy has recently upgraded the class capability from 16 to 32 Sylver A50 vertical-launch system cells for Aster 15/30 missiles, aligning with enhanced export configurations.
Vautrin confirmed France’s readiness to meet Swedish requirements, noting that a fully equipped frigate could be delivered by 2030. She also highlighted potential partnerships with Saab, indicating broader industrial cooperation ambitions. The Amiral Ronarc’h will conduct demonstration visits to Sweden in early 2026.
Other anticipated bidders include Swedish firm Saab, UK-based Babcock, and Spain’s Navantia. The procurement agency FMV and Swedish military leadership will provide recommendations to the government for final selection.
Beyond frigate procurement, Franco-Swedish discussions are advancing on Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early-warning and control aircraft. Jonson confirmed active negotiations, describing GlobalEye as providing valuable surveillance and sensor capabilities for France. France formally announced its intention to procure GlobalEye in June, with contract finalization expected imminently.
While the frigate and GlobalEye programs are not formally packaged as a deal, both nations have repeatedly emphasized reciprocal industrial cooperation, suggesting potential linkage in broader defense partnership development.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102525235-929