Swedish defence company Saab has secured a contract worth approximately 2 billion Swedish kronor ($202 million) from French shipbuilder Naval Group to deliver and integrate weapon-control systems, weapons, and sensor technologies for four FDI frigates being constructed for the Swedish Navy.
Scheduled to run from 2027 to 2034, the agreement covers several advanced naval systems, including the RBS 15 anti-ship missile, Saab Lightweight Torpedo, Trackfire remote weapon station, and Sea Giraffe 1X lightweight multi-mission surveillance radar.
The contract also includes an unspecified weapon-control system, the Ceros fire-control director, and the EOS 500 electro-optical sensor, strengthening the frigates’ combat capabilities and situational awareness.
Sweden’s Luleå-Class Frigate Programme
Sweden has signed an agreement worth approximately 47 billion Swedish kronor ($4.8 billion) with Naval Group for the procurement of four Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) frigates. The vessels will form the Swedish Navy’s future Luleå class, designed to enhance maritime security and air-defence capabilities in the Baltic Sea following Sweden’s accession to NATO in 2024.
Each frigate will measure approximately 122 metres (400 feet) in length and 18 metres (59 feet) in width, with accommodation for more than 125 crew members. The ships will also support rotary-wing aircraft operations, including platforms such as the NH90, alongside unmanned aerial systems.
Beyond Saab’s weapons and sensor package, the frigates will incorporate Naval Group’s SETIS combat management system, advanced digital communications and navigation equipment, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Their planned weapon configuration will include surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and 57mm and 40mm naval guns, providing capabilities against multiple maritime and aerial threats.
Propulsion and Operational Performance
The Luleå-class frigates will be powered by two MTU 16V 8000 M91L engines, generating a combined output of approximately 43,000 horsepower. This propulsion configuration will enable the vessels to achieve speeds exceeding 26 knots (48 km/h or 30 mph).
The ships are expected to have an operational range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometres) and an endurance of up to 45 days at sea.
The integration of Saab’s weapons, sensors, and combat systems with Naval Group’s FDI platform represents a significant step in strengthening Sweden’s next-generation naval capabilities and its maritime defence posture in the Baltic region.
