Sweden: Submarine construction makes progress

A26 partial order placed with SAAB - later delivery

Saab has made further progress in the development and production of the two A26- or Blekinge-class submarines that have already been ordered. On 27 August, the defence manufacturer received the green light for further construction and development steps from the competent authority for defence material (FMV). The order is worth 510 million euros (SEK 5.2 billion).

The programme was launched in 2015. At that time, the construction and development costs totalled SEK 8.2 billion (approx. 800 million euros in today's terms). The Blekinge class is a 65-metre-long submarine with a displacement of 2,000 tonnes. The air-independent Stirling propulsion system (Stirling AIP) is designed to enable 18 days of autonomy under water. In addition to the standard crew of 26 seamen, nine additional persons (special forces, task force) can be accommodated.

While in 2019 it was still assumed that the two boats HMS "Blekinge" and HMS "Skåne" would be delivered in 2024 and 2025 respectively, today's announcement from Saab states: 2027 and 2028.

Saab offers the A26 submarines in three segments. In the shipyard's terminology, they are classified as pelagic, oceanic and oceanic with extended range. With the larger boats, Saab is competing in the Netherlands as the successor to the Walrus class.