Saab announced
on 25 January that it has signed two agreements with Swedish defence procurement
agency FMV regarding the next generation of surface ships and corvettes for the
Swedish Royal Navy.
The product
definition phase for the MLU of five Visby-class corvettes, as well as a product
definition phase for Visby
Generation 2 corvettes, are worth a combined SEK190 million ($22.91 million).
Saab Kockums will
conduct an analysis of requirements as the first step towards the Visby-class
MLU and acquisition of Visby Generation 2.
‘The Visby
corvettes have been pioneers for 20 years, and after Mid-Life Upgrades they
will be well equipped for future assignments. The experience and knowledge that
the Visby class has gathered over the years will feed into the
development of Visby Generation 2,’ said Lars Tossman, head of Saab
Kockums.
Visby Generation 2 will be equipped with a
modern anti-ship missile system, torpedo system and air defence missile system.
It is designed primarily as the mutirole vessel for littoral and
blue water operations but it will also be capable of operating in harsh
conditions. This new generation of vessels could enter service as early as 2025,
according to Shephard Defence Insight.
The
MLU for the Visby class aims to keep the five vessels in service beyond
2040. In addition to modifying existing systems on the corvettes, a new air
defence missile system will be installed. The RBS15 anti-ship missile system and
torpedo system will also each be upgraded to the latest version.
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Visby Class Replacement Programme
Visby Class
Saab Next-Generation Corvette