Saab Starts Construction Of A26 Next-Gen Submarine For Swedish Navy

Saab has started construction of the next generation submarine A26 for the Swedish Navy.

The construction phase for the Swedish Navy’s A26 next-generation submarine has officially begun on 4 September 2015 at the Saab Kockums shipyard in Karlskrona.

Along with load of mines and torpedoes, the submarine can be equipped with missiles. The A26 design features Multi Mission Portal for the launch and retrieval of diverse mission payloads such as manned and unmanned vehicles, the company announced today.

On 30 June 2015, Saab signed contracts with the Swedish Defence Material Administration to construct, verify and deliver two new Type A26 submarines to a total order value of $918 million. The first delivery will be 2022.

A26 submarine for the Swedish Navy is the modern submarine program. The submarines will be powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP (air-independent propulsion) system.

The Stirling system makes the A26 very stealthy and difficult to detect. The A26 boosts all the traditional operational capabilities of a submarine and is also a strong intelligence-gathering platform within the wider defence network. Its modular design ensures availability, with efficient through-life upgrades and adaptations, and low life cycle costs.