Sweden, Finland sign torpedo agreements

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistic Command (FDF LogCom) have signed cooperation agreements regarding torpedo systems for anti-submarine warfare, the FMV announced on 4 January.

FDF LogCom will cooperate with FMV for the development and introduction of the new lightweight torpedo system being acquired by Sweden, Torpedsystem 47. Torpedsystem 47 system is developed, manufactured and integrated by Saab.

Finland intends to expand its anti-submarine warfare ability with the capacity to combat submarines with torpedoes. In addition to acquiring the Torpedsystem 47, the Finland will purchase combat management systems from Saab Surveillance.

Rear Adm. Odd Werin, head of naval system department, said: 'This creates opportunities for coordination and thereby lower cost for sustaining and further development of Torpedsystem 47. Widened opportunities for cooperation within anti-submarine warfare are also made possible.'

The Swedish government will lend a limited amount of the current lightweight torpedo system, Torpedsystem 45, materiel until the new torpedo system is delivered to FDF LogCom. The lending arrangement aims to make Torpedo 45 operative onboard the Finnish vessel FNS Tornio from the autumn of 2019.

Werin said: ‘During 2022 the Swedish armed forces will receive a completely new torpedo system better in all aspects than the older torpedo TP 45. It does not only meet the future threats from foreign submarines, but is also designed for being successively adaptable to new techniques and arising threats during its lifetime.'