Saab delivers upgraded Gotland-class submarine HMS Halland to navy after mid-life refit works

HMS Halland is the final submarine of its class to undergo the Halvtidsmodifiering Gotland programme, following HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland. The upgrade contract between FMV and Saab Kockums was signed in March 2022 and was valued at SEK 1.1 billion.

A key element of the modernisation has been the installation of core systems common to the future Blekinge-class (A26) submarines. This allows these systems to be tested and validated in service before they are introduced on the A26 submarines.

In addition, several critical systems have been replaced or upgraded, including the Stirling air-independent propulsion system, sensors and command and control systems. These changes significantly enhance HMS Halland’s operational capability while increasing commonality with the next generation of Swedish submarines.

“HMS Halland is the third and last submarine in the Gotland class to have undergone mid-life modification at Saab in Karlskrona,” said Ulf Pernholt, project manager at FMV. “The upgrade means that the Armed Forces’ submarine capability is maintained at a high level while awaiting the next generation of submarines.”

The refit was carried out to ensure the submarine can meet current and future requirements for intelligence gathering, surveillance and maritime control in the Baltic Sea. As part of the work, a new hull section was added to extend the vessel by two metres, and nearly 200 components and systems were replaced, upgraded or newly installed.

FMV said HMS Halland is now a highly modern submarine that will continue to operate effectively in the Baltic Sea and its surrounding areas for many years to come.