Sweden’s Navy is advancing toward a new level of automation with the development of a robotic weapon hatch system for its stealthy Visby-class corvettes. The innovation aims to conceal and deploy weapons without compromising the vessels’ low radar signatures, a defining feature of the Visby design.
Unlike conventional warships, the Visby-class corvettes rely on internally stored weapons to maintain stealth. The new robotic hatch will play a crucial role in the integration of the next-generation Robot 15 missile system, which forms the backbone of Sweden’s future naval strike capabilities.
Engineers from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) recently conducted load-bearing tests using a robot dummy, confirming that the hatch system can withstand real-world operational stress. The project is being developed collaboratively by Saab Dynamics, Svekon, and the Naval Staff, with phased deployment expected to continue through 2030.
The hatch initiative is part of Sweden’s broader naval modernization strategy. The Gotland-class submarines are undergoing major mid-life upgrades, receiving new combat systems, advanced sensors, and improved air-independent propulsion, allowing for longer and quieter underwater missions. The last of the class, HMS Halland, was relaunched in February 2025 after replacing more than 20 key systems, including new command-and-control modules. Meanwhile, the RBS15 Mk3 coastal missile system will enter service in 2026, enhancing Sweden’s anti-ship defense with truck-mounted launchers and networked command-and-control systems to improve fleet coordination and situational awareness.
