Low signatures are essential for submarine operations and Saab has been a world leader in signature management for decades. Saab’s expertise has minimised all signature emissions, including:
- Radiated noise
- Target echo strength
- Magnetic
- Hydrodynamic
- Radar
The ability to operate undetected means that the entire ocean is your domain. You can go where you want and do what you want, with nothing to stop you.
Saab submarines have an unmatched ability to remain undetected in any underwater environment where they can make use of high-performance sonars and sensors. Saab’s access to global supply chains allows the use of the world’s best systems.
Saab has access to the most advanced torpedoes, fully integrated long-range strike missiles and launching systems used by other leading maritime powers. Thanks to the modular design, different numbers of weapon tubes can be mounted depending on the customer’s requirements. Saab’s international supply chains ensures that only the most reliable and combat-tested weapons and launching platforms are provided as part of the system.
Saab’s torpedoes are based on over 100 years of underwater systems experience. As a result, the best-in-class torpedoes are primed for today and tomorrow’s challenges. Each performs equally well in both shallow and blue water, as well as under cold, warm and brackish conditions. The SLWT boasts a full digital homing system, wire-guided and fire-and-forget operation and adapts to various harsh hydroacoustic conditions. Torpedo 62 is the main heavyweight torpedo used by the Swedish navy. The torpedo has a pump jet propulsion system giving it a maximum speed of over 45 knots. It can also track several targets and classify them at the same time.
Saab’s 9LV offers complete C4I for every type of naval platform, ranging from combat and patrol boats, frigates and large through-deck ships to submarines and vessels for anti-piracy, security and surveillance. Designed to excel in combat, 9LV provides outstanding operational capabilities and supports all mission types.
The Stirling air-independent propulsion system enables Saab submarines to operate underwater for several weeks, without having to surface and reveal their location. Diesel-electric submarines can remain submerged for a few days before they are required to surface (or break the surface using a snorkel). The technology is cost-effective in comparison to other air-independent technologies, such as fuel cells and nuclear power, both of which are highly complex and difficult to manage.
A modular design means technological breakthroughs can quickly and easily be retrofitted, improving the submarine’s performance with enhanced stealth, navigation, combat, comms and ship control capabilities. Past examples include the HMS Gotland and HMS Upland for Saab’s Gotland-class submarine. More information on these mid-life upgrades can be found further down the page. Modular mid-life upgrades – for when you want the technologies of tomorrow, yesterday.
Saab submarines are designed to withstand significant shock loads from underwater explosions, such as mines and depth charges. Shock resistance is a prerequisite for submarines designed to operate in heavily-mined seas, such as the Baltic Sea.
The Blekinge-class (A26) Submarine
Next-gen designs. Next-gen capabilities. Next-gen availability. Next-gen upgrades.
Saab is building two submarines of the Blekinge class (A26) for the Royal Swedish Navy. Its new capabilities are set to define the next era of submarine development.
System-of-systems operations
Perhaps the most unique design feature of Saab’s Blekinge class submarine is its Multi Mission Portal™. This configurable system allows the launch and retrieval of diverse mission payloads such as special forces, manned and unmanned vehicles. Saab’s Blekinge-class submarine will be a strong intelligence-gathering platform and can operate independently and in tandem with Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone and other underwater uncrewed vehicles, thanks to Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core.
Sea-bed warfare
To meet the demands of an essential component of naval warfare in the 21st century, Saab’s Blekinge-class submarine has all the capabilities necessary to engage in sea-bed warfare. The submarine is capable of resting on the sea bed itself, as well as launching and retrieving underwater vehicles and special forces that can meet mission objectives such as the protection of critical national infrastructure.
Full digitisation
Saab’s Blekinge-class submarine comes with baseline autonomous capabilities, including vessel control thanks to Autonomous Ocean Core a ready-to-use autonomous control system that is a solid foundation for tomorrow’s intelligence.
High operational availability
The submarine in the water beats any submarine in the dock
Saab specialises in high operational availability for its submarines. The demands of the Baltic Sea mean that submarines must spend as little time as possible at quayside, and the majority of time at sea, where they can make a difference. With a greater ability to remain at sea, the Blekinge-class submarine can outlast and outperform any opposition.
The Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of the Gotland-class submarine
The Gotland-class submarines HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland finished their mid-life upgrades (MLU) in 2019. The changes result in increased performance, improved stealth capabilities as well as increased navigation, combat, comms and ship control capabilities.
Many systems used in the vessels’ MLU paved the way for Saab’s Blekinge-class (A26) submarine’s cutting-edge capabilities. See the pictures below and find out what modifications have been made.