Sweden back on sub building track, hoping to get Tomahawks

WORLD  27 January 2023 - 00:02

Stockholm is taking steps to increase the capabilities of its armed forces. This comes after applying for membership in the NATO alliance.

Recently, the Ministry of Defence of the country concluded a contract with the local shipbuilding company SAAB Kockums for the repair and modernization of the submarine Halland, Bulgarian Military reports.

A26 submarine

In parallel, a program to create a new generation submarine under the A26 project. The sub will have a total displacement of 1,900 tons. A26 was launched in the spring of 2015. Then when the government issued an order totaling $945 million. The budget was for the design and construction of two submarines, giving their names Blekinge and Skåne.

Implementation of the relevant program is difficult. The readiness of the flagship, originally planned for 2018, was gradually postponed. Now it is expected no earlier than 2027-2028. This suggests that the Swedish underwater industry is going through difficult times, and its degeneration is at stake.

Naval commanders require designers to create a truly powerful and modern ship that is not inferior to the best foreign counterparts. Clarification of seafarers’ requirements required a revision of the original design of the A26.

The revised version will carry vertical launchers with 18 long-range US Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Will Washington agree?

Will Washington agree to sell such a powerful weapon to Stockholm? There is no answer to this question yet. Perhaps the desire to acquire long-range cruise missiles is one of the factors pushing Sweden towards membership in the Atlantic Treaty.

The revision of the A26 project led to an increase in costs: now the cost of one boat is estimated at $ 816 million. If the government provides sustainable funding for the A26 program, SAAB Kockums will not only stay afloat but also receive funds for development.

Caliber.Az