Saab, FMV renegotiate troubled A26 submarine contract for second time

Sweden's new A26 Blekinge-class submarines will cost more and be delivered later under a contract amendment signed by Saab and FMV. (Saab)

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk: FMV) and Saab have been forced to re-baseline the contract for the A26 Blekinge-class submarine programme for a second time as a result of further schedule delays and cost increases.

Under revised terms announced on 13 October, the delivery of the two boats – to be named HMS Blekinge and HMS Skåne – has been pushed back to early 2030s and an additional SEK9.6 billion (USD1 billion) has been injected into the programme. The amendment, which includes minor provisions to improve security of supply in the submarine sector, takes the total contract value up to SEK25 billion (USD2.62 billion).

Being delivered by Saab's business area Kockums, the A26 programme is intended to equip the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) with two new-generation air independent propulsion (AIP) submarines to serve alongside its three upgraded A19 Gotland-class AIP boats. The A26 shares significant combat system and sensor commonality with the modernised A19 but is a larger design offering extended endurance and improved signature characteristics and incorporating a bow-mounted multimission portal for the deployment of divers and unmanned underwater vehicles.

FMV placed a SEK7.6 billion (USD920 million) contract with Saab in June 2015 for the design and construction of the two A26 submarines. Delivery of Blekinge and Skåne to the RSwN was originally planned for 2024 and 2025 respectively.