Sweden signs $4 billion deal for four French frigates to triple air-defense capability

Sweden has signed a roughly $4 billion contract to buy four FDI medium-sized frigates from France’s Naval Group, expanding a military buildup that accelerated after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson attended the signing ceremony on Aug. 31. Sweden, NATO’s newest member, abandoned its longstanding policy of neutrality after the invasion and has since moved to strengthen its armed forces.

The four ships are expected to become the largest vessels in the Swedish navy. The first frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2030. Sweden said in May that the contract would cost about $4 billion, or roughly NT$126.5 billion, and would raise the country’s air-defense capability to three times its current level.

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France and Sweden are both members of the European Union and NATO, and our cooperation proves that European sovereignty is being built together.

Macron presented the purchase as part of a broader European effort to assume more responsibility for its own security. “France and Sweden are both members of the European Union and NATO, and our cooperation proves that European sovereignty is being built together,” he said.

He added that the Swedish order would strengthen Europe’s defense-industrial and technological base. European governments have been increasing defense spending amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump and growing doubts about whether they can continue relying on American protection.

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The Swedish order strengthens Europe’s defense-industrial and technological base; Europeans must now take greater responsibility for their own security and reinforce NATO’s European pillar.