Naval Group has been selected by the Swedish Ministry of Defence as a partner to deliver a new frigate capability for the Royal Swedish Navy, marking a major step in Sweden’s naval modernisation and in European defence industrial cooperation. The announcement, made on 20 May 2026, confirms Naval Group’s mobilisation to support Sweden with a latest-generation frigate solution based on the FDI platform.

The French shipbuilder expressed its gratitude to the Swedish authorities for their trust and to the French government for its support throughout the strategic campaign. The selection represents an important success for Naval Group and reinforces the growing defence partnership between France and Sweden at a time when European countries are strengthening their naval capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.

Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, said the company was extremely honoured to have been selected by the Swedish Ministry of Defence. He underlined that Naval Group is now ready to engage with Swedish authorities and industrial partners in the execution of the programme. According to Pommellet, the FDI will provide the Royal Swedish Navy with a latest-generation frigate offering extended capabilities across all warfare domains, while also meeting Sweden’s requirement for a rapid delivery timeline.

The FDI frigate is presented by Naval Group as a fully operational, combat-ready and multi-mission platform. It is already in service with the French and Hellenic navies, giving the design a strong operational foundation and proven credibility. Its capabilities cover the full spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare and maritime surveillance.

A key feature of the FDI is its strong Aster-based anti-air warfare capability, which allows the frigate to respond to current and emerging aerial threats. This capability is particularly important for Sweden as it strengthens its role within NATO and inter-allied naval operations. The frigates are expected to enhance the Royal Swedish Navy’s ability to protect national waters, contribute to collective defence and operate effectively in demanding maritime environments.

Naval Group emphasised that the FDI is designed to operate across a wide range of conditions, from the demanding seas of the High North to warmer maritime theatres. This flexibility is highly relevant for Sweden, whose naval forces operate in strategically sensitive waters, including the Baltic Sea and northern European maritime approaches.

The maturity of the FDI design was also highlighted as a major advantage. With two units already delivered to the French and Hellenic navies and a proven production line in place, Naval Group argues that the programme can meet Sweden’s need for rapid capability reinforcement. At a time when speed of delivery is becoming a critical factor in defence procurement, this mature production base gives the FDI a significant advantage.

Beyond the delivery of ships, Naval Group has committed to building a structured and long-term industrial partnership with Sweden. This will involve cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, Swedish industry and research and development partners.

The selection of the FDI for Sweden therefore represents more than a naval procurement decision. It strengthens the strategic partnership between Sweden and France, supports European industrial cooperation and contributes to the wider objective of securing Europe through advanced, interoperable and rapidly deliverable naval capabilities.