Saab Launches Upgraded HMS Halland, Enhancing Sweden’s Naval Capabilities

Saab Launches Upgraded HMS Halland, Enhancing Sweden’s Naval Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) On February 13th, Saab successfully launched the HMS Halland after a comprehensive mid-life upgrade at its Karlskrona shipyard. This marks the third and final submarine in the Gotland class to undergo the upgrade, aligning its capabilities with the upcoming Blekinge-class submarines. The enhancements, including advanced sensors and command systems, ensure that HMS Halland can continue performing critical missions for the Swedish Navy and NATO. The upgrade positions the submarine as a vital asset for monitoring and defending the Baltic Sea, where it can operate stealthily and efficiently.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 14-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — On February 13th, Saab’s shipyard in Karlskrona celebrated the successful launch of the HMS Halland, marking the completion of a comprehensive mid-life upgrade for the submarine. This upgrade positions the HMS Halland as the third and final vessel in Sweden’s Gotland class to receive advanced technological enhancements. The improvements, which include state-of-the-art systems and technologies, will align HMS Halland’s capabilities with those of the upcoming Blekinge-class submarines.

The launch of HMS Halland is a significant milestone in strengthening Sweden’s naval defense capabilities. With the upgrades completed, the submarine is equipped to continue executing critical maritime missions for years to come, joining its sister ships, HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland, which underwent similar modifications in the past. These improvements ensure that the Gotland-class submarines remain vital assets to Sweden’s defense forces.

“Manning essential underwater infrastructure and safeguarding sea lanes has become more crucial than ever,” said Mats Wicksell, Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums. “The launch of HMS Halland underscores Saab’s expertise in upgrading and delivering submarines that meet the needs of the Swedish Navy. With this newly upgraded vessel, the Swedish Navy—and by extension NATO—gains added strength in defending and monitoring the Baltic Sea.”

Submarines, like HMS Halland, hold a pivotal role in modern defense strategies, offering significant tactical advantages across a wide spectrum of conflicts, from peacekeeping to full-scale warfare. HMS Halland’s ability to operate in stealth mode and its enduring operational capabilities make it a formidable asset in the challenging Baltic Sea environment, where detection is particularly difficult due to its complex underwater geography.

As part of the upgrade, over twenty key systems in HMS Halland were replaced, including critical sensors and command systems. These newly integrated systems are consistent with those to be used in the Blekinge-class submarines (A26), ensuring seamless interoperability within Sweden’s future submarine fleet.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 24,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

Media Contact:

Saab Press Centre
+46 (0)734 180 018
presscentre@saabgroup.com

Source: Saab