Production of two new auxiliary vessels, intended to strengthen the Swedish Armed Forces' naval capabilities, has commenced. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) recently participated in a ceremony at the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon, where the first vessel has now taken shape, the agency writes in a press release.
In a symbolic ceremony known as the Start of Steel Cutting, production of the first auxiliary vessel began at Astilleros Armon's facility in Jarrio, Spain. The vessels, which form part of FMV's ongoing effort to modernise the Swedish Armed Forces' naval assets, will replace HMS Pelikanen and HMS Furusund. The ships will contribute improved logistics, torpedo recovery, underwater operations, and diving capability. Deliveries are planned for 2027 and 2028.
"Production is now under way, which is of course a major and exciting step in the project," says Susanne Nordman, project manager at FMV, in the press release.
The new vessels are being built by Astilleros Armon Vigo AS and measure 50 metres in length, with a beam of 11 metres and a total displacement of 1,000 tonnes. The aim is to provide the Swedish Armed Forces with modern assets to effectively support other naval units. The project is also part of a broader initiative that includes new harbour tugs and support vessels for the navy's maintenance service.
FMV signed a contract with Astilleros Armon in March 2024, an agreement that represents a significant investment in Sweden's naval defence. The collaboration also reflects continued confidence in Spanish shipyards, which have previously demonstrated their ability to deliver vessels for similar purposes.
Following delivery, the vessels will be integrated into the naval base battalions and military bases to ensure high availability and operational capability. The new generation of auxiliary vessels represents a step towards modernising Sweden's naval infrastructure and securing long-term sustainability within the defence sector.