The Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) has contracted Saab to develop and produce a new lightweight torpedo system.
According to Saab, the total order value amounts to approximately SEK1.53 billion (around $175 million) and deliveries will take place during the period 2016-2024.
The order comes under the terms of the Letter of Intent (LoI) between Saab and FMV that was announced on June 9, 2014. The LoI supports the Swedish Armed Forces’ underwater capabilities for the period 2015-2024.
The new system, to be called Torpedo 47, will replace the Royal Swedish Navy’s current Torpedo 45.
“We are proud to have the continued confidence to deliver a new torpedo weapon system to FMV and the Swedish Navy. Where by this the replacement for Torpedo 45 begins” , said Görgen Johansson , head of Saab business area Dynamics.
“Many of Saabs underwater systems are world leading in its segments and with this order we are strengthening our position further.”
Sweden currently has three Gotland-class and two Södermanland-class submarines in service. The Scandinavian country’s navy is currently in the process of acquiring a new class of Saab-built, A26 submarines.
The company claims the A26 will be even better than the country’s current Gotland-class which has proven itself on numerous occasions.
HMS Gotland made a special impression on U.S. officials in 2005 during joint exercises when she avoided detection while successfully surveying and shadowing the opposing forces, so effectively that the United States requested a lease extension from one to two years to continue training.