ARMAMENTS

Saab announced that it has received a new order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to continue the development, production and expansion of the capabilities of the two A-26 Blekinge-class submarines previously ordered by Sweden. 

The order value is 601 million euros (about 5.2 billion Swedish kronor) and the delivery of the two submarines will take place in 2027 and 2028. This order constitutes an amendment to the original contract of 2015, with which Sweden ordered the new A26 Blekinge-class submarine, tailored-made for Swedish conditions.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said the new features to be added to the A-26 will give, among other things, an additional edge to the weapon system and the platform’s stealth technology. 

The design and development of this submarine come under the “UBat-2000 Flundran” program of 1990. Even though it was initially planned to be jointly developed with Norway and Denmark, it ended up being a 100% Swedish project in the mid-2000s. The A-26 is intended to replace the Sodermanland-class submarines in the first year and the Swedish Navy’s Gotland-class submarines in the second year. 

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Powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion engines and equipped with the Stirling AIP system, the A-26 submarine is offered by Saab in three versions to secure export contracts: A-26 Pelagic, A-26 Oceanic, and A-26 Oceanic Extended Range.

In another development in Greece, the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Panagiotopoulos, responding to a question from Mr. Velopoulos on the topic, stated: “The supremacy of our submarines in the Greek seas is gradually disappearing.” The Minister also stressed that the plans of the ministry include the acquisition of new submarines for the Navy and the Ministry of National Defence, through the Hellenic Navy General Staff, monitors the international market in this area and takes into account developments in its defence planning.

This intention for the acquisition of new submarines is stipulated in Decision No. 1/8th/27 April 2021 of the Governmental Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) and concerns the structure of the Armed Forces 2020 – 2034 approved by KYSEA. The said Decision is classified, hence further details are not released, the Minister of Defence repeated in Parliament.

With information from: SAAB, defenceredefined.com.cy 

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