Sweden Eyes French Naval Cruise Missiles for New Frigates
Sweden will evaluate adding French long-range naval cruise missiles to its four new FDI frigates, but military leaders stress integrating Swedish systems
Sweden will evaluate acquiring a French naval long-range strike missile capability for its future fleet, but its military commander says integrating Swedish weapon systems onto new frigates is the current priority. The potential move was discussed following the signing of a €4.3 billion contract for four FDI frigates from France's Naval Group.
Swedish Commander-in-Chief Gen. Michael Claesson told Breaking Defense that while the French offer will be assessed, the immediate focus is on the contracted Swedish systems. He said the most important thing right now is moving forward in integrating the Swedish weapon and sensor systems included in the contract.
Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated that a naval long-range strike capability could be an important next step, informed by the war in Ukraine. He emphasized the platform is primarily for air defense and anti-submarine warfare but that Sweden has an open mind for developing a strike capability.
Contract and Capability Focus
The contract was signed in Stockholm on Monday by Swedish and French officials, including Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Emmanuel Macron. A separate framework agreement to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation was also signed. In his speech, Kristersson highlighted the frigates' air-defense role, specifically their Aster 30 missiles for protection against ballistic threats.
President Macron, however, hinted at future offensive potential. He said by equipping the Swedish frigates with the Aster missile and possibly with a naval cruise missile, France is not only delivering ships; it is also providing a capability to protect the territories of its allies.
French media have reported that the missile in question is MBDA's MdCN (Missile de Croisière Naval), a naval cruise missile developed for French frigates and submarines. When asked about the MdCN, Gen. Claesson called it an interesting capability.
Swedish Systems Take Priority
The first frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2030. The Swedish government confirms the ships will be equipped with a suite of national weapon systems alongside the French Aster missiles.
| System | Type | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| RBS 15 | Anti-ship missile | Saab |
| 47 | Lightweight torpedo | Not specified in source |
| Giraffe 1X | Radar | Saab |
| Trackfire | Weapon station | Not specified in source |
| Bofors 57 mm & 40 mm | Naval guns | BAE Systems Bofors |
Officials stress that integrating these Swedish systems is the main task before any consideration of adding the French cruise missile. The Ministry of Defence told Breaking Defense that the contracted Sylver A50 vertical launch systems would need to be replaced with A70 launchers to fire the MdCN missiles.
Expanding Long-Range Strike Options
Sweden recently tested its first deep-strike capability, launching a Taurus KEPD 350 air-launched cruise missile from a JAS 39 Gripen fighter. Defence Minister Jonson said Stockholm is looking to improve its long-range strike capabilities beyond the Taurus system.
No decision has been made to purchase the French naval strike missile. Sweden is also a participant in the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA), a multinational initiative launched in 2024. The evaluation of the French offer will proceed alongside these other strategic considerations.
The final decision rests on future evaluations, with the integration of national systems setting the immediate timeline for the new frigate programme.
