Photo: marineschepen
Sweden has signed a contract worth roughly $1 billion with Saab to complete the construction of two Blekinge-class (A26) submarines. According to the revised schedule, the first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2031, and the second in 2033. The main production phase will run from 2026 to 2032, with the overall program now valued at around $2.6 billion.
The A26 submarines will be armed with Torpedo 62 heavy torpedoes and the new Torpedo 47 lightweight torpedoes, giving them strong capabilities against both surface and underwater targets.
Each A26 features a low-noise diesel-electric hull equipped with Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP), allowing the vessel to remain submerged for more than 18 days without surfacing. The submarines are approximately 65 meters long, displace around 2,000 tons, and carry a crew of about 26. This endurance enables long, covert patrols and intelligence-gathering missions across the Baltic Sea.
The submarines will incorporate the Saab 9LV combat management system, already in service on Sweden’s surface fleet, ensuring software compatibility and simplified crew training. Among the key innovations is the Multi Mission Portal — a flexible bow-mounted lock that enables the deployment of special operations divers or unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) without surfacing. This expands the submarine’s mission range, from reconnaissance to protecting undersea infrastructure.
Since Sweden joined NATO on 7 March 2024, the A26 program has taken on new strategic importance. With growing hybrid threats in the Baltic region, the Blekinge-class will strengthen the Alliance’s intelligence, deterrence, and maritime security capabilities. Once commissioned, Sweden will possess one of Europe’s most advanced non-nuclear submarine systems, reinforcing NATO’s northern flank.
