SAAB delivers second modernized Gotland-class submarine to the Swedish Navy.

According to a press release published on December 16, 2020, the Swedish Company SAAB has delivered the second modernized submarine of Gotland-class to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) after a Mid-life upgrade. The delivery of HMS Uppland was conducted on December 16, 2020, at a ceremony in Karlskrona, Sweden.
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Saab delivers upgrade Gotland-class submarine to Sweden. (Picture source SAAB)

In June 2015, the Swedish company SAAB has signed contracts with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the construction of two new Type A26 submarines and a mid-life upgrade for two Gotland-class submarines. Saab has now finalized the mid-life upgrade on two of Sweden's existing Gotland-class submarines, including an overhaul and upgrade of the combat system.

The mid-life upgrade of the two Gotland-class submarines includes improvements necessary to meet future operational requirements. The order also comprises procurement of material, platform modifications, system upgrades and testing. HMS Uppland is the second submarine in the Gotland-class to have gone through major changes and is now operational again.

HMS Uppland has had 50 new systems installed or modified, of which 20 are new systems that in the future will be used in the next generation of submarines, the Blekinge-class. This means, for example, new possibilities to analyze the boat’s surroundings with a so-called Optronic Mast, replacing the traditional periscope and associated management system.

The Gotland-class submarines were built in 1990-1997. The submarine class consists of three submarines, all of which have gone through minor modifications during the first part of their lifetime. HMS Gotland was the first boat to go through a Mid-life Upgrade. The submarine was split into two parts to be able to carry out larger changes.

The Gotland-class submarine is powered by two Kockums V4-275R Stirling air-independent propulsion units that use liquid oxygen and two MTU diesel engines. The submarine can reach a surfaced speed of (20 km/h; 13 mph) and 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) submerged. It has a crew of 18 to 22 officers and 6 to 10 enlisted.

The Gotland-class submarine is armed with four 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes able to fire the anti-surface ship Type-613 torpedo with 12 torpedoes, two 400 mm (16 in) torpedo tubes able to fire Type 43 lightweight anti-submarine torpedo with 6 torpedoes and 48 external mines type Mine 42.