The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has contracted Saab to modernize the country’s HMS Södermanland submarine.
Valued at 470 million Swedish kronor ($44 million), the agreement will see the company replace or integrate new components to extend the life of the vessel.
The submarine will receive around 50 modifications to enhance its capabilities and continue operating for an additional six years.
The contract would also see Saab replacing the batteries of the Swedish Navy’s submarine fleet to ensure the long-term sustainment of the fleet.
“We are proud to be a trusted partner to FMV in securing submarine capabilities for the Swedish Navy,” Saab official Lars Tossman said.
“These orders give us the opportunity to continuously plan for the best way forward together with the customer.”
Look at this beauty!😍⚓️HMS Södermanland at shiplift. Have you ever been onboard a #submarine? #saabinthesea #svfm #navy pic.twitter.com/PdQCeio6oR
— Saab (@Saab) December 11, 2016
HMS Södermanland
Launched in the late 1980s, the Södermanland-class diesel-electric submarine is fitted with a Stirling air-independent propulsion system to significantly increase its underwater endurance.
It is armed with six conventional 533-mm torpedo tubes to launch type 613 heavyweight, anti-surface ship torpedoes.
The submarine was originally designed to operate in more frigid northern waters, making it unsuitable for international peacekeeping operations in warmer, saltier waters.
In 2003, Saab relaunched the submarine after modifications such as replacing the refrigeration system and integrating a new air-lock for divers.
The overall length of the submarine was also increased by 12 meters (39.3 feet).
