Saab launches Swedish Navy’s third and final Gotland-class sub after MLU

Defense company Saab has launched the third and final Gotland-class submarine HMS Halland after mid-life upgrade (MLU) for the Swedish Navy.

As disclosed, the vessel was floated out at Saab’s shipyard in Karlskrona. HMS Halland is the final submarine in the Gotland class to undergo the upgrade, which includes new technologies and systems of the same type that will be used in upcoming Blekinge-class submarines.

During the modification, more than twenty of the central systems in HMS Halland were replaced, including sensors and command systems. These systems are the same as those that will be used in the Blekinge-class submarines.

The upgrade means that HMS Halland will be able to carry out maritime missions for many years to come with new capabilities, alongside its sister submarines HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland which have previously undergone similar mid-life modifications.

“Securing critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes is more important than ever. The launch of HMS Halland is a testament to Saab’s ability to upgrade and deliver advanced submarines with the capabilities the Swedish Navy requires. With HMS Halland, the Swedish Navy, and by extension NATO, is given additional muscle to defend and monitor the Baltic Sea,” said Mats Wicksell, Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums.

In March 2022, Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for the mid-life upgrade of HMS Halland. The total order value was SEK 1.1 billion (around $116 million).

The first vessel in this class, HMS Gotland, completed its mid-life upgrade in 2018, while the second, HMS Uppland, was launched in 2019.