French defense shipbuilder Naval Group has cut the first steel for the Royal Swedish Navy’s initial Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) frigate, formally launching construction of the vessel at the company’s Lorient shipyard.
The milestone comes only a month after Sweden signed a SEK 47 billion ($4.6 billion) contract with Naval Group for four multirole frigates designed to strengthen the country’s maritime security and air-defense capabilities in the Baltic Sea.
The lead vessel, which will be named HMS Luleå, is scheduled for delivery in 2030. The remaining three frigates—Norrköping, Trelleborg, and Halmstad—are expected to be delivered between 2032 and 2034.
Sweden Expands Allied FDI Fleet
Sweden becomes the third NATO member to select France’s indigenous FDI frigate design, following France and Greece. The Swedish acquisition expands Naval Group’s overall FDI production programme to 13 surface combatants.
Naval Group currently maintains an active production line capable of delivering up to two FDI frigates annually. Following the introduction of the Swedish vessels into service, the company also intends to establish a long-term industrial partnership with Swedish suppliers to support the ships throughout their operational lifecycles.
Swedish FDI Frigate Capabilities
The FDI is designed to conduct a broad range of missions, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). The platform incorporates Naval Group’s inverted bow configuration and the company’s Setis combat management system.
Sweden’s customized FDI variant will integrate several domestically sourced systems and weapons. These include Saab lightweight torpedoes, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, and BAE Systems Bofors naval guns, complemented by Aster 30 and CAMM-ER surface-to-air missiles.
The frigate will measure approximately 122 meters (400 feet) in length, with a beam of 18 meters (59 feet), and will operate with a crew of more than 125 personnel.
The vessels will also feature a helicopter comparable to the NH90 and an unmanned aerial system capable of conducting autonomous missions, enhancing surveillance and maritime situational awareness.
Propulsion and Endurance
The Swedish FDI frigates will be powered by two MTU 16V 8000 M91L engines delivering a combined output of approximately 43,000 horsepower.
The propulsion system will provide a maximum speed of 26 knots (48 km/h), while the frigates will have an operational range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km). The vessels are designed to remain deployed for up to 45 days, supporting sustained operations in the Baltic Sea and beyond.
The programme represents a major expansion of Sweden’s naval combat capabilities and strengthens its integration with NATO maritime forces in Northern Europe.
