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Saab Strengthens Sweden's Submarine Fleet with Unveiling of Upgraded HMS Halland.
On February 13, Saab launched the HMS Halland submarine after a comprehensive mid-life upgrade completed at its shipyard in Karlskrona. This launch marks the completion of a significant upgrade program for the Gotland-class submarine, equipping it with advanced technologies and systems similar to those that will be used on the future Blekinge-class (A26) submarines.
The HMS Halland is the third and final submarine of the Gotland class to undergo this major transformation, joining its sister submarines, the HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland, which have already received similar upgrades. (Picture source: Saab)
The HMS Halland is the third and final submarine of the Gotland class to undergo this major transformation, joining its sister submarines, the HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland, which have already received similar upgrades. These new capabilities ensure that the HMS Halland will be able to carry out essential maritime missions for many years to come, further strengthening Sweden's naval defense strategy.
Mats Wicksell, Head of Saab's Kockums division, emphasized the strategic importance of the submarine in the Baltic Sea, stating, "Securing critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes is more important than ever. The launch of the HMS Halland is a testament to Saab's ability to modernize and deliver advanced submarines that meet the Swedish Navy's requirements. With the HMS Halland, the Swedish Navy—and by extension NATO—gains additional strength to defend and monitor the Baltic Sea."
The HMS Halland, a Gotland-class submarine of the Swedish Royal Navy, was launched in 1996 and commissioned in 1999. After the complete upgrade, it now benefits from advanced technologies that will be integrated into the future Blekinge-class submarines (A26). The submarine measures 60.4 meters in length, 6.2 meters in width, and has a draft of 5.6 meters. Its surface displacement is 1,240 tons, while submerged, it reaches 1,490 tons.
In terms of propulsion, the HMS Halland utilizes a combination of engines. It is equipped with two diesel engines of 1,300 horsepower (970 kW) each, as well as two Stirling engines of 101 horsepower (75 kW) each, allowing it to enhance its performance in fully electric propulsion mode. The main electric motor, with a power of 1,800 horsepower (1,300 kW), enables the submarine to maintain its speed even when submerged. When on the surface, the HMS Halland can reach a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h), while submerged, its maximum speed is 20 knots (37 km/h). This allows it to perform underwater missions with high efficiency.
The endurance of the HMS Halland is also remarkable, allowing it to remain submerged for more than 14 days without needing to surface to refresh the air. Its maximum diving depth is 300 meters, giving it the capability to operate in difficult-to-reach and monitor underwater areas. Regarding its armament, the submarine is equipped with four 533 mm torpedo tubes and two 400 mm tubes, allowing it to carry 12 torpedoes and six additional torpedoes. Additionally, it can deploy up to 48 external mines, further increasing its ability to interfere with enemy maritime navigation.
These technical characteristics give the HMS Halland a unique ability to operate discreetly in the complex waters of the Baltic Sea, where its low acoustic signature and endurance are major assets. Thanks to these upgrades and its cutting-edge technologies, the submarine plays a vital strategic role in defending critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes, thereby contributing to Sweden's national security and enhancing NATO's capabilities in the region.
Submarines like the HMS Halland play a key role in modern defense, providing strategic flexibility across a wide range of conflict scenarios, from peacekeeping operations to total war. The submarine's ability to operate covertly with great endurance makes it a valuable asset in the complex and challenging environment of the Baltic Sea, where its secret operations are particularly difficult to detect.
During the upgrade, more than twenty key systems aboard the HMS Halland were replaced, including sensors and command systems. These new systems are identical to those that will be used on the future Blekinge-class submarines, ensuring that the Swedish Navy continues to operate cutting-edge technology in its submarine fleet.
With this modernization, the HMS Halland significantly strengthens Sweden's naval capabilities and supports its strategic position in the Baltic Sea region, while also providing enhanced defense capabilities for NATO.