France to supply Sweden with 4 frigates to bolster the NATO country’s defense
PARIS (AP) — France and Sweden signed agreements Monday to supply the Nordic country with 4 modern frigates, strengthening the defenses of NATO’s newest member in the strategically important Baltic…
French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed agreements Monday to supply Sweden with four modern frigates. This move bolsters the Baltic Sea region's NATO defense, a strategically important area where Russia operates key shipping lanes and airspace. The agreements were made during Macron's visit to Sweden, as he pushes for greater European military autonomy to lessen dependence on the United States.
The U.S. administration recently urged NATO allies to demonstrate increased defense capabilities as Washington focuses on security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The frigates will serve as platforms providing long-range capabilities at sea and protection against ballistic missiles, according to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The war in Ukraine highlighted the necessity of defending against such missiles. Under the €4.3 billion ($5 billion) contract, France will also supply weapons, equipment, and training for the warships, which can carry air-defense interceptors, torpedoes, and long-range cruise missiles, according to French officials. France's Naval Group shipbuilder is set to deliver the first vessel in 2030.
Macron emphasized a "major strategic cooperation" between France and Sweden, stating that the agreements strengthen European defense industrial and technological bases.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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