Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract with Saab to develop a large uncrewed underwater vehicle (LUUV) for the Swedish Navy.
The initial deal, valued at SEK 60 million (about £4.7 million) is funding an FMV-led project to develop a concept for the LUUV. At this stage the drone is envisioned as a monitoring station and “decision-support tool” and will not be weaponized.
Saab will be the prime contractor responsible for design, construction, and testing. Its Autonomous Ocean Core autonomous control system will be integrated into the LUUV’s systems.
Development of the demonstrator LUUV is already ongoing, and sea trials of the new drone are scheduled to start in summer 2026. After those tests are completed, further works will be carried out to develop prototypes ahead of a potential production run.
Section manager for projects, underwater combat systems at FMV Jesper Fahlén commented: “The vessel will, among other things, have the ability to monitor large areas unmanned and autonomously.”
He added: “By working agilely with testing operations, we explore the possibilities that technology offers.”
He went on to say: “The system gives the armed forces an increased ability to monitor, detect and repel threats and is perfectly timed given today’s global situation. With this vehicle, we are laying the foundation for cutting-edge technology, which is adapted to today’s challenges and future needs.”
Tobias Söderblom, Development Manager at Sweden’s Naval War College, added: “The Baltic Sea is our home field and we already have a very good grasp of its underwater environment.
“With underwater drones, we are taking another rapid leap that strengthens Sweden’s and our allies’ ability to maintain security in strategically important maritime areas.”
And Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums, commented: “The project makes it possible to create innovative solutions that can bring significant progress in underwater technology and fit well with Saab’s already ongoing development work in autonomy.”
- You can read more details on the Saab website, the FMV website and the Swedish Armed Forces’ website