The Swedish defense procurement agency and Saab have signed a contract modification for the continued development and production, as well expansion of capabilities, of the two A26 Blekinge-class submarines previously ordered by Sweden.
The order value is SEK 5.2 billion (approx. USD 610M) and the delivery of the two submarines will take place in 2027 and 2028, five years later than originally planned.
“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. With support from Saab’s skilled employees and investments, the important industrial submarine capability in Sweden has been restored,” says Micael Johansson, Saab’s president and CEO.
The company did not specify what the capability enhancement will focus on. Powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP (air-independent propulsion) system, the A26 submarine is offered by Saab in three variants of varying lengths and displacements. The dimension range from the 50-meter “Pelagic” version to the “Extended Range” model, which measures over 80 meters and has a range of over 10,000 nautical miles.
According to previous statements, the Swedish submarines will be 63 meters long and displace close to 2,000 tons.
Sweden ordered the new A26 Blekinge class submarines in June 2015.
