The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a $1 billion contract with Saab to complete the construction of two Blekinge-Class A26 Submarines. Scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2033, the deal enhances Sweden’s naval deterrence in the Baltic Sea following its NATO accession.
Production Timeline And Program Overview
Saab announced on October 13, 2025, that the new order covers the final production phase along with materials and services for both submarines. Most deliveries will take place between 2026 and 2032, ensuring sustained activity at the Kockums Shipyard in Karlskrona. The total cost of the A26 program is now estimated at $2.6 billion. Each submarine will be equipped with Torpedo 62 and Torped 47, giving the Swedish Navy a versatile mix for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
Next-Generation Stealth And Endurance
The A26 Blekinge-Class features an advanced Stirling Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System. Measuring about 65 meters and displacing 2,000 tonnes, the submarine is crewed by 26 sailors. Thanks to its AIP system, it can stay submerged for over 18 days, offering exceptional stealth advantages in the complex acoustic environment of the Baltic.
Multi Mission Portal For Diverse Operations
One of the defining innovations of the A26 is its Multi Mission Portal, a six-meter-long compartment in the bow that enables rapid deployment of combat divers and larger unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This feature allows the submarine to transition from torpedo warfare to seabed surveillance or mine-laying missions within hours.
Weapons Designed For The Baltic Environment
The weapon system is optimized for regional conditions. The 533 mm tubes launch long-range Torpedo 62, while the 400 mm tubes deploy the lightweight, wire-guided Torped 47 for close-range ASW missions. Both weapons are tailored for cold and low-salinity waters, ensuring top performance in Swedish territorial seas.
A Strategic Step Forward
The A26 program positions Sweden back at the forefront of conventional submarine warfare. With long silent endurance and modular mission flexibility, the A26 can conduct covert patrols, intelligence missions, and seabed protection operations—enhancing Sweden’s maritime autonomy and NATO contribution alike.
Reinforcing NATO’s Baltic Security
Following Sweden’s accession to NATO in March 2024, nearly all Baltic coastlines—except Kaliningrad and Russia—now fall under Allied defense. In the wake of the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage and growing hybrid threats, NATO launched Operation Baltic Sentry to safeguard subsea infrastructure. The A26 submarines, entering service between 2031 and 2033, will serve as key assets in strengthening the Alliance’s undersea deterrence and situational awareness in the region.
