Sweden confirms pivot on new surface combatants

A concept graphic of the possible look of Sweden's future Luleå-class corvette (left), released by Saab in May 2024. (Saab)

Sweden has re-oriented its plans for the procurement of a new class of surface combatants, with its acquisition strategy now focused on proven off-the-shelf designs.

Confirming the move in a 5 September statement, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk: FMV) said it was looking to place a contract in the first half of 2026. The pivot to an existing ship type – with both French and UK designs in the frame – comes after FMV had previously contracted Saab to develop a ‘sovereign' platform/combat system design baseline.

Sweden's YSF 2030 programme has been under way since 2021 to develop a next-generation surface combatant for the Royal Swedish Navy. Planning assumptions call for a class of four ships to begin entering service from 2030 and serve alongside five Visby-class corvettes cycled through a mid-life upgrade (MLU).

Saab was awarded contracts by FMV in January 2021 for the product definition of both the Visby MLU and YSF 2030 programmes. It was originally envisaged that the new surface combatant would be an enlarged and evolved Visby Generation 2 design.

In early 2023, the focus turned towards a larger steel-hulled heavy corvette. This move reflected Sweden's decision to join NATO, and the navy's desire to operate as part of NATO Standing Maritime Groups and support NATO's integrated air and missile defence.

In May 2024, Saab commenced work on the basic design of the new surface combatant – designated the Luleå class – under contract to FMV. Saab partnered with Babcock on the design activity, building on a strategic co-operation agreement signed by the two companies in September 2023.