Saab awarded further A26 submarine order
Rendering of the A26 Blekinge-class submarine. (Photo: Saab.)
The new order will add to the submarine’s weapons and stealth capabilities.
Sweden’s Defence Material Administration has awarded Saab a further order worth $600m (SEK 5.2 billion) to continue development, production and expand the capabilities of the two A26 Blekinge-class submarines.
Saab president and CEO Micael Johansson said ‘Saab is currently constructing the world’s most advanced conventional submarine.
‘The new capabilities that are to be added to the A26 will give an additional edge within the weapon system and stealth technology among other things.’
Sweden ordered the two new Blekinge-class submarines in June 2015. Delivery of the submarines is scheduled to take place in 2027 and 2028.
The new submarines will displace 2,400t with a length of 63m. A diesel-electric engine will offer a top speed of around 20kt and a range of 6,500 miles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Norway invites four nations to talk partnerships over new frigates]()
Norway invites four nations to talk partnerships over new frigates
The US, the UK, France and Germany each have existing frigate programmes.
-
![Can the US Navy afford its plans to operate a manned/unmanned fleet?]()
Can the US Navy afford its plans to operate a manned/unmanned fleet?
Budgetary constraints and the annual procurement rate could impact the branch’s intention to have a hybrid fleet.
-
![Germany and Finland suspect “hybrid sabotage” of undersea infrastructure]()
Germany and Finland suspect “hybrid sabotage” of undersea infrastructure
Without naming a culprit, the defence ministers of both nations expressed concern about “deliberate” severing of undersea internet cables.
-
![US Navy commissions littoral ship Nantucket]()
US Navy commissions littoral ship Nantucket
The vessel will be the 14th Freedom-class littoral ship in the Navy’s current fleet.
-
![Russian vessels exercise in English Channel and off Irish coast]()
Russian vessels exercise in English Channel and off Irish coast
One of the vessels present in both cases was armed with hypersonic cruise missiles.
