Babcock and Saab Propose Arrowhead-120 for Swedish Luleå-Class Frigate Programme

The Swedish Navy is undergoing a significant transformation with the Luleå-class frigate programme, which aims to develop larger, long-range surface combatants optimized for NATO operations in Northern Europe. This shift is a response to evolving defense requirements since Sweden's accession to NATO, moving beyond coastal defense to support broader NATO tasks across the Baltic Sea and Northern European waters. The programme is estimated to cost up to 6 billion Krona (approximately £4.4 billion) and includes plans for four new vessels, with the first two expected to be delivered by 2030.

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Babcock and Saab have jointly proposed the Arrowhead-120 design as a tailored solution for Sweden's needs. This design is characterized by a length of 124 meters, a steel hull, and a lightweight composite superstructure, allowing for high endurance and maneuverability. The Arrowhead-120 is equipped to counter sophisticated air threats and includes advanced combat systems primarily developed by Saab, which has extensive experience integrating systems for over 20 navies globally. Babcock emphasizes that the design is not merely conceptual; significant initial design work has been completed, and early procurement of long-lead items is underway.

Navy LookoutBabcock and Saab pitch Arrowhead 120 frigate to Sweden

The partnership between Babcock and Saab, formalized in a joint venture in 2024, is framed as a collaborative effort rather than a traditional prime contractor-subcontractor relationship. This approach aims to maximize industrial participation and ensure sovereign control, which carries political significance in Sweden. The construction strategy involves building the hulls in Rosyth, Scotland, while the superstructures will be fabricated in Karlskrona, Sweden, reflecting a commitment to integrating Swedish industry into the project.

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The Arrowhead-120 design faces competition from other international bids, including the French Naval Group's FDI frigate and Spain's Navantia with their Alpha-400 light frigate. While the FDI is a mature design already in production, it offers limited options for Swedish content and interoperability with existing Saab systems. In contrast, the Arrowhead-120 is positioned as a flexible, multi-role frigate capable of adapting to future maritime threats, emphasizing its potential for long-range deployments and modular mission profiles.

Babcock and Saab pitch Arrowhead 120 frigate to Sweden

Babcock's commercial manager, Ilgi Kim, stated, “We believe it is the optimal design for Swedish needs,” highlighting the Arrowhead-120's adaptability and endurance. Saab's deputy manager, Lars Brännström, noted, “This ship has the endurance to be out on long missions,” underscoring the design's capability for various operational roles.

Babcock and Saab pitch Arrowhead 120 frigate to Sweden

Despite the promising features of the Arrowhead-120, concerns remain regarding the complexities of transitioning from the Visby-class corvettes to a frigate-sized platform. Critics point to the inherent challenges in export shipbuilding, including national preferences and political considerations that could impact the programme's success.

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The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) is expected to select the industrial partner for the Luleå-class frigate programme in the first quarter of 2026, with the outcome potentially shaping Sweden's naval capabilities for decades to come.

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