France has signed a €4.3 billion ($5 billion) agreement to provide Sweden with four modern military frigates, in what Sweden calls a boost to the Nordic nation's ability to protect vital shipping lanes in the Baltic Sea.
According to the Associated Press, France will also supply Sweden with weapons and other equipment for the warships. The vessels themselves will carry torpedoes, long-range cruise missiles, and air-defense interceptors that can shoot down ballistic missiles. The first ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2030.
“This is a strategically important investment that strengthens Sweden’s defense capability and security in light of a deteriorated international situation," said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson," referring to concerns over Russia's presence in the Baltic Sea region as the war in Ukraine has continued to escalate.
France also held talks with Sweden regarding the former's initiative to coordinate nuclear deterrence efforts among European allies. As part of the initiative, France can temporarily deploy nuclear-armed aircraft to allied nations, while participating countries can join French deterrence exercises and contribute non-nuclear forces in support roles.
Sweden is NATO's newest member, joining the coalition in 2024. Sweden’s decision to join NATO marked a major shift from more than two centuries of military nonalignment, and came in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
