Swedish defence company Saab has received new orders from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding submarine upgrades.
The orders, with a total order value of SEK 470 million ($43.9 million), include a life-time extension of HMS Södermanland, as well as new batteries and battery development.
This will be HMS Södermanland’s second life extension and will include a number of modifications aimed at technically maintaining the submarine’s capacity, service life and availability.
The goal is to ensure the maintenance of HMS Södermanland’s capabilities for another six years. The lifetime extension is carried out in parallel with the general overhaul, which is a 72-month maintenance.
The life-time extension means that the submarine HMS Södermanland will receive around 50 modifications, prolonging and enhancing her operability for a further six years.
The orders also include an exchange of batteries for the Swedish Navy’s current submarine fleet, as well as a project focusing on battery development, to ensure capabilities both at present and long-term.
“We are proud to be a trusted partner to FMV in securing submarine capabilities for the Swedish Navy. These orders give us the opportunity to continuously plan for the best way forward together with the customer,” said Lars Tossman, head of business area Kockums.
