A26 Blekinge class: Sweden’s new submarine for the Baltic and seabed warfare

HMS Blekinge and HMS Skåne are Sweden’s first domestically built new submarines in more than two decades. A26 is optimised for the shallow, sensor-dense Baltic while supporting intelligence, special forces and uncrewed underwater vehicles. Saab lists a length of 66.1 metres and displacement of 1,925 tonnes.

Propulsion and endurance

Three diesel engines are paired with three Stirling air-independent propulsion units. AIP permits long submerged periods without snorkelling, reducing exposure. It does not replace batteries or provide nuclear-submarine speed. High-speed movement, sensor use and hotel load reduce practical endurance.

Signature before top speed

A26 emphasises acoustic, magnetic, electric and hydrodynamic signature control. In the Baltic, slow quiet movement and precise navigation matter more than a dramatic top speed. Official diving depth, noise and sonar ranges are appropriately undisclosed.

The Multi Mission Portal

A large portal is intended to deploy special forces, divers, UUVs and equipment more effectively than conventional torpedo tubes. It makes the submarine a platform for seabed intelligence and covert intervention. Payloads, lockout procedures and available underwater vehicles will determine the practical advantage.

Weapons, crew and construction

Saab identifies torpedoes, mines, AUVs, ROVs and special-forces support. Normal complement is stated as 17–26, with a maximum of 35. Small crews reduce personnel demands but increase reliance on automation and training. Construction in Karlskrona is rebuilding national shipyard competence at the same time.

Editorial assessment

A26 is a coherent conventional submarine shaped around discretion and multi-role access to the underwater domain. Its distinctive innovation is not one sensor but the mission portal. Programme value and export credibility now depend on stabilising schedule, cost and a production line recreated after a long gap.

Primary sources and method

This assessment uses official government, armed-forces and manufacturer material. Missing data are not replaced with estimates.

• Saab – Blekinge-class keel laying and specification
• Saab – A26 fifth-generation submarine concept

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