Last Gotland Submarine Upgraded

Sweden now has three modernised submarines in operation. On Thursday, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) handed over HMS Halland to the Swedish Armed Forces after a multi-year mid-life upgrade conducted by Saab. This completes the upgrade of the entire Gotland-class. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, this strengthens Sweden's underwater capability and contributes to increased availability in the Baltic Sea area.

– It is gratifying that we now have three modern submarines in the Swedish Navy. This contributes to Sweden's national security and the alliance's collective deterrence and capability in the Baltic Sea region, says Commander Paula Wallenburg, head of the First Submarine Flotilla, in a press release from the authority.

HMS Halland is the third and final submarine in the Gotland-class to undergo mid-life modification at Saab Kockums shipyard in Karlskrona (southern Sweden). The work has been ongoing for nearly three years and included an extensive general overhaul as well as the installation of around 20 systems of the same type that will be used in the next generation of submarines of the Blekinge-class (A26). The submarine was handed over by Saab Kockums to FMV in February this year.

One of the most visible changes is that HMS Halland has been extended by two metres through a new section. In total, nearly 200 components and systems have been replaced, upgraded, or installed onboard, including the Stirling AIP system, sensors, command systems, and climate adaptations for various marine environments.

– The upgrade ensures that the Swedish Armed Forces' submarine capability remains at a high level while awaiting the next generation of submarines, says Ulf Pernholt, project manager at FMV, in a press release from the authority.

With HMS Halland back in operational service, the Navy achieves higher availability, better endurance, and greater training opportunities. According to Navy Chief Johan Norlén, the demand for joint training with Swedish submarines is high within NATO.

– We have unique capabilities in the underwater dimension and notice that we are sought after within NATO. One of our tasks is to share our knowledge with allies, he says in the same press release.