HELSINKI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Sweden will purchase four new frigates from France to strengthen its air defense and maritime combat capabilities, the Swedish government announced on Tuesday.
According to the government, Sweden will buy FDI-class frigates produced by France's Naval Group. The new vessels are significantly larger than Sweden's existing naval ships and will have more advanced capabilities, including defense against fighter jets and interception of ballistic missiles.
The cost is estimated at about 10 billion Swedish kronor (about 1.07 billion U.S. dollars) per vessel. Delivery of the first frigate is expected to begin in 2030, with one vessel to be delivered each year thereafter.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a press conference that the frigates "best meet Sweden's requirements." He said the deal is one of Sweden's largest defense investments since the introduction of the Gripen fighter jet in the 1980s and will significantly enhance the country's air defense capability while contributing to security in the Baltic Sea region.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said that Naval Group's mature ship design and its ability to deliver relatively quickly were among the main reasons Sweden chose France.
Michael Claesson, supreme commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, said the frigates will also be able to operate outside Sweden's borders and will be important for Sweden's future participation in NATO operations. ■