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Sweden Nears Frigate Choice as France Pitches Fully Equipped FDI and Saab Partnership

Talks over a French purchase of Saab’s GlobalEye create added incentives for a Franco‑Swedish defense partnership.

Overview

  • Defense Minister Pål Jonson said Sweden plans to pick a design partner by early 2026, aiming for two Luleå‑class frigates by 2030 and two by 2035.
  • France confirmed it submitted an October offer for its FDI/Amiral Ronarc’h design, promising a fully equipped 2030 delivery and a Swedish visit by the lead ship early next year.
  • Jonson and French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said discussions continue on France buying Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C, with both sides stressing reciprocal industrial cooperation without a formal package deal.
  • FMV has completed a market survey and is evaluating proposals from Saab, the UK’s Babcock and Spain’s Navantia alongside France’s Naval Group, pointing to an off‑the‑shelf selection.
  • Stockholm is prioritizing advanced air‑defense and NATO‑compatible systems for the new ships, while costs remain undisclosed and officials acknowledge previous delays as FMV and the military prepare recommendations.