France and Sweden sign defence roadmap as Naval Group positions FDI frigate for Swedish surface ship programme

Sweden will procure four new future surface vessels, which are planned to enter service by the end of the decade.

The Luleå-class vessels (Luleå, Norrköping, Trelleborg, and Halmstad) will be approximately 100m long and displace about 3,000–4,000t, making them considerably larger than the Royal Swedish Navy’s (RSwN’s) existing 640t Visby-class corvettes. There has been speculation that the design was based on the Singaporean multi-role combat vessel, which Saab has been helping to build.

The Swedish navy currently operates a total of five Visby-class corvettes and two older Gävle-class corvettes, which first entered service in the late 1980s. The two Gävle-class corvettes (previously known as the Göteborg-class prior to being upgraded) will need to be replaced after 2025.

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Initially, Saab had participated in the "pre-studies" for the Swedish navy's Next Generation Corvette, which was intended to replace the Visby-class stealth corvette. They released early specifications of the design, which took inspiration from its predecessor. This could also be a concept used for the Gävle-class corvettes.

FMV shifts strategy amid European security concerns

In February 2023, Sweden confirmed it was rethinking plans to build a second-generation Visby, with Stockholm seeking a larger capability that can be delivered faster. Contacted by Shephard, the FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) explained that behind the decision to rethink the procurement plans was the worsening of the geostrategic scenario in Europe. This, combined with the political and economic willingness to modernise the Swedish Armed Forces, prompted a discussion about the capabilities the RSwN needs to tackle future threats.

The programme reportedly completed the first stage of the Product Definition Phase in 2023, and the second stage was being initiated. This stage is planned to be finished in mid-2025, followed by a building contract.

Industrial players position for key roles

In May 2024, Babcock was selected by Saab to support the design and development of the Luleå-class Surface Combatant. Babcock would provide engineering support, including structural design and auxiliary systems, supporting Saab to complete the basic design phase.

On 18 June 2025, Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister for the Armed Forces, and Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Johansson signed a roadmap aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of armaments at the Paris Air Show. Along with air surveillance and air defence, the cooperation encompasses the defence and intervention frigate as a candidate system for the Swedish next-generation surface ship programme.

The announcement made at the Paris Air Show 2025 positions Naval Group as a top contender with its FDI design. Already ordered by the French and Hellenic Navy and currently marketed to Norway, the FDI frigate meets the abovementioned characteristics outlined by the Swedish navy thanks to its reduced crew and marked ASW/AAW capabilities. The technical specifications of the hulls make the FDI a suitable platform to operate in the shallow waters of the Baltic, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.

Shephard Defence Insight estimates that the bid team led by Naval Group will most likely involve Thales (radars, C4I, and sonar) and MBDA. Regarding the French missile manufacturer, Sweden recently signed a deal with MBDA UK to fit the Visby-class corvettes with CAMM missiles. Shephard also expects the potential involvement of Saab and BAE Systems Bofors regarding sensors and guns.

Naval Group can count on a hot production line for the FDI, with five units under construction for France and three for Greece. During a visit to Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient in October 2024, Shephard was told that the French manufacturer could deliver two ships per year and that delivering a frigate would take roughly four years from the contract award date.

Related Programmes in Defence Insight

Luleå Class (1-4) [Sweden]

Fridtjof Nansen Frigates Replacement [Norway]

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

Saab Next-Generation Corvette

Multi-Role Combat Vessel

Admiral Ronarc'h Class (FDI)