Sweden Selects French FDI Frigate Design for New Luleå Class Warships

Sweden announced on May 19, 2026, that it has selected the French FDI frigate design for its new Luleå class surface combatants. The announcement was made aboard the Visby class corvette Härnösand in Stockholm. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Minister of Defence Pål Jonsson attended the event.

The Defense Materiel Administration chose the FDI primarily for its advanced integrated combat systems and design maturity. Naval Group is already building the class at its Lorient yard, allowing Sweden to receive the first fully equipped ship in 2030.

Sweden plans to acquire four frigates with one vessel delivered each year beginning in 2030. The Luleå class will displace 4,390 tons and measure 400 feet 3 inches in length, significantly larger than the current Visby class.

The Luleå class will replace several French systems with Swedish equipment. Anti-ship missiles will be the locally produced RBS 15, while anti-submarine warfare will use the Torped 47. For air defense, the ships will carry Aster 30 missiles capable of engaging targets beyond 75 miles and CAMM-ER missiles with a range of approximately 25 miles.

Naval artillery will include the Bofors 57mm main gun and Bofors 40 Mk 4 close-in weapon system. >"Det blir franskt! Local industry, particularly Saab, will participate in outfitting the vessels. Sweden and France have also cooperated on airborne early warning systems and other defense projects.