The Swedish Navy has updated sensors and the naval gun on HMS Nyköping to combat small drones. The vessel is the first among the Visby-class corvettes to test this capability in a live scenario, with what are described as very good results.
– HMS Nyköping has, in a very short time, installed and verified the upgrade of various sensors. This has led to the vessel increasing its operational capability to locate, track, and ultimately combat craft that may pose a threat to the unit, says Lieutenant Commander Hugo, commanding officer of HMS Nyköping, in a press release.
The work was carried out during 2025 and includes updates to both the surveillance radar and the naval gun. The sea trials involved shooting down a "very small" drone at several kilometres distance, according to the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten).
The upgrade is a result of experiences from the war in Ukraine, which highlighted the importance of defence against smaller craft. This capability complements existing electronic warfare systems and will soon be implemented on more types of vessels. The project is described as a collaboration between the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the industry.