According to a press release published by Saab on August 27, 2021, the firm has received a further order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to continue the development and production, as well as expand the capabilities, of the two A26 Blekinge class submarines previously ordered by Sweden. The order value is SEK 5.2 billion and the delivery of the two submarines will take place in 2027 and 2028.
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A26 submarine project model showcased at IMDEX 2019 (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
In June 2015, Sweden ordered the new A26 Blekinge class submarine, which is tailor-made for Swedish conditions. The capability to construct and build submarines places Sweden among the few countries in the world with the ability to develop advanced submarines. The Swedish submarine capability is among the most cost-efficient and modern in the market.
The submarines will be powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP (air-independent propulsion) system. The silent Stirling system contributes to the Blekinge-class submarines extreme stealth. The Blekinge-class submarines boosts all the traditional operational capabilities of a submarine and is also a strong intelligence-gathering platform within the wider defence network. Its proven modular design ensures availability, with efficient through-life upgrades and adaptations, and low life cycle costs. You can always adapt the Blekinge-class submarine to the mission in hand.
The most unique A26 design feature is its Multi Mission Portal™, for the launch and retrieval of diverse mission payloads such as manned and unmanned vehicles. The Blekinge-class submarine will be a strong intelligence-gathering platform within the wider defense network.
There are three variants available: the Pelagic, Oceanic, and Oceanic (Extended Range). The entire Blekinge-class submarine family has been offered for export equipped with 18 vls-cells for Tomahawk cruise missiles.
