The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, said the guns would replace systems installed on some existing navy vessels. Separately, Sweden’s new Luleå-class frigates are set to carry the same gun type, although the latest order has not been confirmed as supplying those ships.
The 57Mk3 is designed for air defence, anti-surface warfare and naval fire support. Its pre-fragmented, programmable, proximity-fused ammunition enables engagement of drones, aircraft, missiles and surface targets, according to BAE Systems.
“This contract reinforces our long-standing role as a trusted partner to the Swedish armed forces and FMV, and our commitment to supporting the Swedish Navy with world-class capability,” said Stefan Löfström, Marketing & Sales director at BAE Systems Bofors. “It demonstrates Sweden’s absolute confidence in the Bofors 57Mk3 and its advanced 3P ammunition as key capabilities for Sweden’s maritime defence.”
Sweden already operates the guns aboard five Visby-class corvettes, two Gävle-class corvettes and two Stockholm-class patrol vessels. The Visby installations have stealth turrets that conceal the barrel when stowed.
Naval Group began cutting steel for the first Swedish FDI frigate at its Lorient shipyard on 1 October, a month after signing the four-ship contract. HMS Luleå is due for delivery by the end of 2030, followed by HMS Norrköping in 2032, HMS Trelleborg in 2033 and HMS Halmstad in 2034.
The schedule relies on an established production line that also builds FDI frigates for France and Greece. The Lorient line has a stated capacity of two ships a year.
Sweden announced its selection of the French design in May. It chose the FDI over Navantia’s Alfa 4000 and Babcock’s Arrowhead 120, which was offered with Saab.
The Luleå class will combine French construction with Swedish weapons, including Saab RBS15 Mk3 surface-to-surface missiles, 400mm Tp47 lightweight torpedoes and TrackFire weapon stations. Bofors 57Mk3 and 40Mk4 guns are also part of the planned armament.
The frigates will use MBDA Aster 30 and CAMM-ER missiles for air defence. Their planned weapons fit will extend the 57Mk3’s presence in the Swedish fleet beyond the classes already operating it.
