Saab has secured a major $1 billion (9.6 billion SEK) contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to finalize production of two next-generation Blekinge-class (A26) submarines. The agreement covers additional materials, services, and technical integration work scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2032. The Blekinge-class represents the cornerstone of Sweden’s future underwater fleet, designed for flexibility, endurance, and multi-domain cooperation. A distinctive feature is its Multi-Mission Portal, a configurable payload interface that enables the launch and recovery of manned or unmanned underwater vehicles, special forces teams, and various mission packages. Each submarine measures 66.1 meters in length, has a beam of 6.75 meters, and displaces 1,925 tons. It is powered by a hybrid propulsion arrangement consisting of three diesel engines and three Stirling air-independent propulsion systems, offering silent operation and extended underwater endurance. The vessels are crewed by 17–26 personnel, expandable to 35 for special missions. The A26 integrates advanced intelligence-gathering suites and autonomous operation capabilities, allowing coordinated missions with Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone and other unmanned systems. Saab stated that the completion phase ensures delivery of “the most advanced conventional submarine ever built in Europe,” reinforcing Sweden’s naval deterrence and export prospects for advanced submarine technology.
