Saab, commissioned by FMV, is tasked with designing four advanced surface combatant ships for the Swedish Navy. Babcock’s role in this venture will initially focus on providing engineering support, including structural design and auxiliary systems, to aid Saab in completing the basic design phase of the Luleå-class.
To commemorate the launch of this ambitious collaboration, senior representatives from the Swedish Navy, UK Royal Navy, FMV, Saab, and Babcock gathered at Babcock’s Rosyth facility in Scotland. This meeting highlighted the strategic importance of the cooperation, which was solidified through a Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed by Saab and Babcock at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event in September 2023.
In addition to developing the Luleå-class for the Swedish Navy, Saab and Babcock will explore potential export markets for the new design. This initiative aims to enhance international naval capabilities and open new opportunities for Swedish and British shipbuilders.
Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Kockums for Saab, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are proud to take on the mission to start the basic design of the new Luleå-class for Sweden and happy to cooperate with Babcock in this project. This is an important collaboration between Swedish and British shipbuilders, and I am looking forward to a close teamwork to strengthen the Swedish capabilities at sea.”
David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, echoed Wicksell’s sentiments, saying, “This is a hugely important programme for the Swedish Navy, Saab, and Babcock. Our collective capabilities in Karlskrona and Rosyth will ensure we deliver a class-leading design for the new Luleå platforms.”
The collaboration between Saab and Babcock underscores the growing strategic partnership between Sweden and the UK in defense technology and naval architecture. As the project progresses, both companies are poised to leverage their extensive expertise to deliver cutting-edge maritime solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern naval forces.
