France signs $5 billion deal to supply four frigates to Sweden

PARIS, France — STOCKHOLM — France and Sweden signed agreements in Stockholm on Wednesday for the supply of four modern frigates aimed at strengthening NATO's newest member's defenses in the Baltic Sea region. The signing ceremony took place during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Sweden, where he has advocated greater European military independence and reduced reliance on the United States. The deal, valued at $5 billion, includes air defense and ballistic missile interception missiles, torpedoes and long-range cruise missiles, according to the French presidency, which also said Paris would provide training support. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the frigates would give Sweden long-range maritime capability and ballistic missile defense. The agreement comes as the U.S. administration has urged European NATO allies to increase defense spending, weeks after shifting its attention to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Sweden formally joined NATO in 2024.