Saab Kockums is manufacturing two new submarines for the Swedish Navy. When the submarines were ordered in 2015, the price tag for two submarines was SEK 7.6 billion and the first submarine was to be delivered in 2023.
According to the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, the cost is now up to SEK 14 billion and delivery is now planned for 2027. But the Swedish Armed Forces write in their annual report for 2023 that further delays and cost increases cannot be ruled out.
According to Lars Brännström, deputy manager at Saab Kockums, the yard was in poor condition when they took it over ten years ago.
– It took longer to build up the ability than originally intended. That there would be an increase in prices was pretty much a given right from the start, he says.
The navy wants a different model
For a long time, the navy has wanted another new submarine, a third, of the same model that is now being manufactured, the A26. But you don’t want that anymore.
Instead, the navy wants to start a completely new submarine project. A preliminary study has already begun with Saab.
– In the future, it could be necessary to supplement the A26 with smaller submarines that can carry more torpedoes and weapons, explains Paula Wallenburg, head of Sweden’s submarine fleet.
A future project is now being discussed among defense politicians, but no decision has yet been made.
“Devastating”
From decision to finished submarine takes a long time and according to Paula Wallenburg it is in a hurry. Otherwise, Sweden risks getting an outdated submarine fleet and losing the competence to build new submarines, she says.
– If the decision for a new submarine project is delayed, it is devastating for the development of submarine weapons.
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Tags: Runaway costs Swedens submarines navy start submarine project
