Saab has secured a significant contract from the Swedish government for the final production phase of two Blekinge-class (A26) submarines, marking a key milestone in Sweden’s long-term naval modernization program. The deal, worth approximately 9.6 billion Swedish kronor ($1 billion), covers additional materials, systems integration, and related services, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2032.
The Blekinge-class represents the next generation of Swedish submarines, designed to provide high mission flexibility, autonomous capability, and seamless integration with uncrewed maritime systems. Saab’s design focuses on adaptability for multiple underwater mission types, ensuring Sweden maintains advanced undersea warfare capabilities in an increasingly complex security environment.
A defining feature of the A26 class is its Multi-Mission Portal, a reconfigurable payload bay that enables the launch and recovery of diverse systems — including manned and unmanned underwater vehicles, autonomous drones, and special operations teams. This modular system allows the submarine to shift roles between intelligence gathering, surveillance, and special forces support with minimal refit requirements.
Measuring 66.1 meters (217 feet) in length and 6.75 meters (22 feet) in beam, the Blekinge-class has a displacement of 1,925 tons. It is powered by three diesel engines paired with three Stirling air-independent propulsion units, granting extended underwater endurance. Designed for a core crew of 17 to 26 personnel, the submarine can accommodate up to 35 individuals, combining compact efficiency with cutting-edge stealth and autonomy technologies.
