Naval Group begins construction of Swedish Luleå-class frigates

Naval Group has officially commenced construction of the first Luleå-class frigate for the Swedish Navy. The steel-cutting ceremony took place on October 1, 2026, at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France.

The contract, valued at approximately 47 billion Swedish kronor (roughly 4.16 billion euros), covers the production of four FDI-based (Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention) frigates. This program is considered one of Sweden's most significant defense investments since the Gripen fighter program. The first vessel, HSwMS Luleå, is scheduled for delivery in 2030, with the remaining three ships expected in 2032, 2033, and 2034.

These 4,500-ton multi-mission vessels are designed for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat in the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic, and Northern European waters. The Swedish variant will integrate specific national systems, including Aster 30 and CAMM-ER anti-air missiles, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, and Bofors cannons. The acquisition aims to triple the Swedish Navy's air defense capabilities and support NATO's integrated air and missile defense on the northern flank.