FMV contracts Saab for Koster-class MCMV life extension

Two of the Royal Swedish Navy Koster-class mine countermeasures vessels are scheduled to receive service life extension work. (Royal Swedish Navy)

Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded Saab a contract to extend the operational life of two of the Royal Swedish Navy's (RSwN's) five Koster-class mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs).

The FMV confirmed to Janes that the ships concerned are HMS Kullen and HMS Vinga, but declined to disclose the timeframes for the life extension refits. The work is intended to keep the vessels operational through to the mid-2030s.

According to the FMV, the life extension contract does not include modifications or upgrades to the MCM suite. Instead, the upgrade will be confined to the navigation radar, above-water sensors, improved combat systems, and other platform systems.

Valued at SEK350 million (USD33.43 million), the order includes options worth an additional SEK270 million (USD25.7 million) for life extension refits for the three remaining ships of the class. Saab's Kockums business unit will undertake the work at its Karlskrona shipyard.

Commissioned between 1986 and 1992, the Koster-class vessels – HMS Koster, HMS Vinga, HMS Ulvön, HMS Kullen, and HMS Ven – were originally built as Landsort-class MCMVs. All five ships were modified between 2003 and 2005 to enable their participation in international operations.