‘With frigates, we will secure the Baltic region’

Sweden’s decision to buy four French frigates reflects what its navy chief describes as a sharp change in the country’s maritime responsibilities after joining NATO. The navy must now help maintain operational control of the Baltic region and its approaches, rather than focus only on defending Sweden from an attacker.

That broader mission includes ensuring that important shipping can reach Sweden and its allies, including Finland and the Baltic states. The frigates will carry the weapons and sensors needed for air defence against threats ranging from drones to ballistic missiles. Their size will also allow them to operate for longer periods in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the North Atlantic.

The navy chief rejects the idea that Sweden should rely exclusively on unmanned systems. He points to Ukraine’s use of maritime drones after lacking other capabilities. Ukraine has succeeded in preventing Russia from using parts of the Black Sea for its purposes, he writes, but has found it harder to protect its own shipping. Ukraine has therefore also ordered larger corvettes being built in Turkey, which it considers necessary for controlling sea areas and protecting future grain shipments.

Sweden is developing unmanned vessels at the same time as it purchases frigates. Its navy is working with allies, including through close cooperation with Ukraine, and has helped develop an unmanned naval force to strengthen maritime surveillance in the Baltic. The navy chief’s conclusion is that drones belong to the future, but current threats require a combination of crewed ships and unmanned craft.