Saab relaunches third upgraded Gotland-class submarine
HMS Halland is the third and last of the class to be upgraded. (Photo: Saab)
More than 20 of the central systems in HMS Halland were replaced as part of the upgrade, including sensors and command systems.
Saab has relaunched the Swedish Navy’s HMS Halland Gotland-class submarine after putting it through a major mid-life upgrade (MLU) which has already been performed on two others of the class with the service.
The upgrade was performed at Saab's shipyard in Karlskrona and includes new technologies and systems of the same type that will be used in upcoming Blekinge-class submarines.
Saab stated on 18 March 2022 that the extensive MLU, worth SEK1.1 billion (US$116 million), would include an overhaul and upgrade to the boat's combat system.
Related Articles
Saab completes HMS Uppland upgrade
Saab delivers upgraded Gotland-class submarine to Sweden
Saab signs contract for MLU of third Gotland-class submarine
The upgrade will enable HMS Halland to carry out maritime missions for many years to come with new capabilities, alongside her sister submarines HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland which have previously undergone similar mid-life modifications.
The three-boat Gotland class were constructed between 1990-1997 and had already received upgrades in the early years of their service life, before the latest upgrade process.
Mats Wicksell, head of Business Area Kockums, Saab argued the upgraded submarines are a key capability.
“Securing critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes is more important than ever,” Wicksell said.
“With HMS Halland, the Swedish Navy, and by extension NATO, is given additional muscle to defend and monitor the Baltic Sea.”
The Gotland-class boats are expected to remain in service until beyond 2035. In 2024 the Swedish Parliamentary Defence Committee argued that the preliminary design of a new generation of submarines to replace the boats should begin with the first boat in service by 2038.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
UB30 Next Generation Submarine/Gotland Class Replacement [Sweden]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
