Sweden Signs $1B Deal with Saab for Two A26 Submarines to Strengthen NATO Naval Posture

Sweden has formalized a major naval acquisition by awarding Saab a SEK 11.3 billion (approx. USD 1 billion) contract for two advanced A26 Blekinge-class submarines. This move underscores Stockholm’s commitment to enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities amid growing regional tensions and its recent accession to NATO.

Strategic Context: Sweden’s Push for Undersea Superiority

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed the procurement contract with Saab on October 30, 2025. The deal covers the construction of two A26 submarines—Blekinge and Skåne—intended to replace the aging Södermanland-class boats currently in service with the Swedish Navy. Delivery is scheduled between 2027 and 2028.

This procurement aligns with Sweden’s broader defense modernization strategy following its full integration into NATO in March 2024. With Russia maintaining a strong naval presence in Kaliningrad and increasing submarine activity in the Baltic Sea, Sweden is reinforcing its role as a key maritime player on NATO’s northern flank.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson emphasized that “the new submarines will significantly improve our ability to monitor and control our surrounding waters.” He also noted their relevance to collective Alliance operations under Article 5 scenarios.

A Closer Look at the A26 Blekinge-Class Design

The A26 is a next-generation diesel-electric submarine developed by Saab Kockums specifically for littoral operations in contested environments like the Baltic Sea. It features modular construction and incorporates stealth technologies optimized for shallow-water maneuverability and long-endurance missions.

Displacement: ~2,000 tonnes submerged
Length: ~66 meters
Crew: Approx. 25–35 personnel
Propulsion: Diesel-electric with Stirling Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP)
Endurance: Up to several weeks submerged using AIP
Sensors: Integrated sonar suite including flank arrays and mine detection sonar
Missions: ASW/ASuW, ISR, Special Forces insertion/extraction
Armament: Six torpedo tubes (533 mm), capable of deploying heavyweight torpedoes or mines

The Stirling AIP system allows extended silent running without surfacing—a critical capability in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) zones like the Baltic where adversary ISR assets are dense. The modular payload bay also allows future integration of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) or seabed sensors.

A Defense Industrial Milestone for Saab Kockums

This contract represents one of the largest naval orders ever placed by Sweden’s FMV and marks a significant win for domestic shipbuilder Saab Kockums. The Malmö-based facility will lead construction efforts alongside subcontractors across Sweden’s defense-industrial base.

The program also includes funding for infrastructure upgrades at Karlskrona Naval Base to support maintenance and basing of the new vessels. According to FMV officials, this ensures life-cycle support over at least three decades of service life.

The deal builds on earlier design work under an initial development phase launched in April 2015 when FMV first contracted Saab for concept studies of what became known as “Next Generation Submarine” (NGS). That effort laid groundwork for detailed engineering now culminating in serial production.

NATO Interoperability and Regional Implications

The A26 class is designed from inception with interoperability in mind—integrating Link-16 datalinks, standardized weapon interfaces (STANAG-compliant), and secure SATCOM systems compatible with NATO C4ISR frameworks. This makes them deployable not only for national defense but also as part of Alliance task groups or under Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMGs).

NATO navies have expressed interest in closer cooperation with Sweden’s submarine force given its unique experience operating stealthy boats in shallow archipelagic waters—a skillset highly relevant given Russia’s growing hybrid maritime posture.

The acquisition may also influence regional partners such as Norway or Poland considering future submarine upgrades or joint training opportunities within Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) frameworks.

A Platform Ripe for Export?

The A26 has long been positioned by Saab as an export candidate competing against German Type-212CDs or South Korean DSME boats in global tenders. While no foreign sales have yet materialized beyond feasibility discussions with countries like Poland or the Netherlands, this firm domestic order strengthens its credibility abroad.

The Polish Navy’s Orka program previously considered the A26 among contenders before pausing procurement timelines amid budget constraints. With Swedish deliveries now confirmed through late decade milestones, Saab may leverage this momentum to re-engage potential buyers seeking proven European alternatives to U.S., French or Asian offerings.