Saab has launched the Swedish Navy’s third and final Gotland-class submarine after it completed mid-life upgrades on the vessel.
The HMS Halland underwent comprehensive modifications and multiple enhancements on its systems and sensors at the defense company’s shipyard in Karlskrona, where Sweden’s largest naval base is located.
This event marks the completion of the upgrade works on the Gotland-class submarines, which were first delivered in 1997, extending their operational service and strengthening the country’s naval capabilities.
The first and second submarines — HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland — completed upgrades in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
Furthermore, around 20 of the new systems in the modernized submarines will also be fitted on the service’s incoming Blekinge-class submarines.
“Securing critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes is more important than ever. The launch of HMS Halland is a testament to Saab’s ability to upgrade and deliver advanced submarines with the capabilities the Swedish Navy requires,” said Mats Wicksell, Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums.
“With HMS Halland, the Swedish Navy, and by extension NATO, is given additional muscle to defend and monitor the Baltic Sea,” he added, as Stockholm deployed a patrol vessel under NATO command for maritime surveillance in the area.
