Sweden's new signals intelligence ship, HMS Artemis, was handed over by Saab Kockums to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on 28 April. The vessel is set to replace HMS Orion, which has served for nearly 40 years.
– The shipyard in Karlskrona (southern Sweden) now delivers the first vessel since Saab took over Kockums ten years ago. Today's handover is proof that Sweden has regained the capability to develop and build world-class ships and boats, says Mats Wicksell, CEO of Saab Kockums, in a press release from Saab.
The new ship has several advantages compared to its predecessor, including better manoeuvrability and improved living conditions. Additionally, it is equipped with sensors for naval intelligence gathering. HMS Artemis measures 74.6 metres in length and 14 metres in width and has 35 cabins with 40 berths.
– With Artemis, Sweden will have a modern ship with a better working environment for the crew and enhanced signals intelligence capability. FMV's focus is now to complete and hand over the vessel to the Swedish Armed Forces as quickly as possible, says Patric Hjorth, head of naval materiel at FMV, in the agency's press release.
The level of disruptive signals emitted by the ship has been reduced thanks to improved electromagnetic compatibility. Before the ship can be put into service, the Swedish National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA) will equip the vessel with signals intelligence equipment.