Saab secures new order for A26 Blekinge-class submarines

The order represents a critical stage in Sweden’s long-term program to build a new generation of conventional submarines at Saab Kockums in Karlskrona, one of Europe’s leading naval shipyards. The Blekinge-class submarines are widely regarded as some of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world.

Next-generation conventional submarines

The A26 Blekinge program builds on decades of Swedish expertise in submarine design and construction. These submarines feature air-independent propulsion (AIP), allowing extended submerged operations and enhanced stealth. The A26 vessels are designed to conduct a wide range of missions, including conventional naval operations, special forces deployment, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering.

– Saab is currently building the world’s most advanced conventional submarines for Sweden. Through excellent cooperation between Saab and FMV, we have delivered Sweden cutting-edge undersea capabilities that will safeguard the country’s waters for decades to come, said Micael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab.

Strategic importance for the Baltic Sea region

The A26 program carries both technological and strategic significance. Amid growing tensions in the Baltic Sea and increased Russian naval activity, strengthening Sweden’s submarine force is a key component of deterrence and national defense.

Sweden, preparing for full integration into NATO structures, continues to modernize its naval capabilities. The A26 submarines complement the existing Gotland-class fleet, which is also undergoing upgrades by Saab.

Industrial impact and export potential

The A26 program is also a major driver for the Swedish defense and shipbuilding industry. Saab Kockums is one of the few shipyards in Europe capable of designing and building submarines entirely in-house. The technologies developed in Sweden—including combat systems, sensors, propulsion, and modular construction—have already attracted international interest, including from Poland, which is evaluating A26 units for its Orka submarine program.

Modular, future-proof design

Blekinge-class submarines feature high automation and modular construction, enabling flexible weapon and equipment configurations. A key innovation is the multi mission portal, a large forward hatch that allows rapid deployment of special forces, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), or mini-submersibles.

These capabilities make the A26 a platform ready for future technological integration, particularly in unmanned and remotely operated systems—a growing trend in modern naval warfare.

FMV’s additional order with Saab underscores Sweden’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its undersea capabilities, critical for national defense and regional security in the Baltic Sea.

With the construction of two new Blekinge-class submarines and the ongoing modernization of the Gotland-class fleet, the Swedish Navy remains a leading force in Europe for undersea operations, combining advanced technology with strategic deterrence.