Saab receives FMV torpedo development order

Saab has received orders from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) that will see the company continue development of the new lightweight torpedo, and maintain the Hydra sonar system and underwater weapon systems. The orders, worth around $20.8 million, were announced by Saab on 20 February.

These new orders come under the terms of the June 2014 Saab-FMV letter of intent to support the Swedish armed forces' underwater capabilities for 2015-2024.

Görgen Johansson, head of dynamics, Saab, said: 'The new lightweight torpedo order represents another important step in developing a new generation underwater weapon, in collaboration with FMV and the Swedish Navy.

'Based on the proven Torpedo 45, with its outstanding shallow-water anti-submarine warfare capability, the new lightweight torpedo will deliver significant performance improvements to deal with evolving threats in international scenarios.'

The maintenance contracts for underwater weapon systems and the Hydra sonar system cover maintenance and support operations for relevant operational systems.

Agneta Kammeby, head of underwater systems at dynamics, Saab, said: 'Saab has been responsible for the maintenance of the navy's underwater weapons for many years. We have now expanded this responsibility to include the Hydra sonar system.'