France, Aug. 31 -- Sweden announced the purchase of four Defence and Intervention Frigates (FDI) from the French company Naval Group in May with the first vessel due for delivery in 2030 - part of the country's rearmament effort following its accession to NATO in 2024.

Kristersson said the deal represents "one of the most significant Swedish defence investments since the introduction of the Gripen fighter jet in the 1980s".

For Naval Group, the contract represents a success following several setbacks. In recent years, Norway opted for British frigates, Canada declined the group's offer for 12 submarines and Poland chose Sweden's Saab for its new submarines.

Modern frigates typically provide anti-submarine warfare, air defence and marit...