Sweden looks to Saab to extend life of its minehunters
A Koster-class MCMV pictured on the crane at the Saab Kockums shipyard in Karlskrona. (Photo: Saab)
Mine warfare is a crucial capability in the region, given the vast amount of unexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea.
The Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) has contracted Saab for the life extension of two Koster-class mine countermeasures ships.
The agreement, worth SEK 350 million ($33.7 million), also includes options relating to the three-remaining ships of the class totalling SEK 270 million.
Modernisation work under the life extension contract covers exchanging systems and enhancing capabilities such as installing a new navigation radar and improving the combat system and surface sensors.
Saab Kockums head Lars Tossman said: 'The mine countermeasure ships are an important capability for Sweden and for the protection of the Baltic Sea.
'The contract means that the ships' continued availability is ensured and is a testament to Saab's competence to modify and develop capabilities on existing platforms.'
The Koster-class MCMVs were initially designated as the Landsort-class, but as five of the seven ships went through MLUs in 2009, it was renamed.
During the MLU, the ships were equipped with underwater RCVs.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the ships have a displacement of 400t and can achieve a maximum speed of 15kts.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”]()
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
