Sweden is preparing to select a supplier for four new Lulea-class frigates early next year as the country accelerates its naval expansion in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the defense minister said Monday, Reuters reports.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson said Sweden is pursuing an existing frigate design to meet its goal of receiving the first two vessels by 2030. He spoke at a joint news conference with French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin.
“I think and I hope that we can make a decision by early next year regarding our new frigates program,” Jonson said.
France’s Naval Group is among the candidates. Vautrin said France is ready to meet Sweden’s timeline. “We could deliver a frigate in 2030, fully equipped with defensive systems, and we propose a partnership with Swedish industry, particularly Saab,” she said.
Other options include designs from Spain’s Navantia and Britain’s Babcock, which is offering a platform in cooperation with Sweden’s Saab.
The Lulea-class frigates would become the largest surface warships in Sweden’s navy and are expected to serve for roughly 40 years.
