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
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
