Saab awarded SEK 60 million FMV contract to develop next-generation Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle

Saab awarded SEK 60 million FMV contract to develop next-generation Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle

(IN BRIEF) Saab has signed a SEK 60 million contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop a Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV). Saab will lead the design, construction, and testing of the system, which will integrate its Autonomous Ocean Core technology for autonomous operation. Planned sea trials are set for summer 2026. The LUUV will function as an advanced sensor platform to enhance seabed monitoring and threat detection, supporting Swedish defence needs. Initially, the vehicle will not carry weapons but will contribute significantly to the country’s underwater autonomy capabilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 29-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Saab has secured a contract worth SEK 60 million from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop a new Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV). Under the agreement, Saab will serve as the prime contractor, responsible for the design, construction, and testing of the advanced underwater system.

The LUUV project, led by FMV in collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces, aims to create a concept for a larger, next-generation uncrewed underwater vehicle designed to strengthen Sweden’s maritime capabilities. Saab’s proprietary Autonomous Ocean Core control system, which equips vessels with autonomous functionality both above and below the waterline, will be integrated into the LUUV. The first sea trials are scheduled to take place in the summer of 2026.

Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “It is gratifying that together with FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces, we have the opportunity to work quickly and collaboratively to develop a new advanced system in a short time. At Saab we get to demonstrate our ability to deliver systems that are both effective and adapted to current and future challenges. 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.”

The LUUV will serve as a highly capable sensor platform to support decision-making in maritime operations. Its design focuses on mapping seabed infrastructure, as well as detecting and deterring threats beneath the surface. In this initial phase, the vehicle will not be armed but will play a crucial role in advancing Sweden’s underwater surveillance and autonomy technologies.

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SOURCE: Saab