Saab shipyard in Karlskrona has floated out HMS Halland, the last submarine in the Gotland class, for a major overhaul. New systems and technology that will also be utilised in the next generation of Blekinge-class submarines are introduced by the refit. This refurbishment strengthens Sweden’s submarine capabilities by guaranteeing that HMS Halland, sister submarines HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland, will continue to conduct maritime missions for many years to come.
HMS Halland: Modernised for Sweden’s Naval Might in the Future
The Saab launch represents a significant advancement in Sweden’s submarine capabilities. Sensors and command systems were among the more than twenty key systems onboard HMS Halland that were replaced during the refit. These systems are identical to those that will be employed in submarines of the Blekinge class.
Submarines can be deployed in every scenario, from peace to war, and they are strategically important in defence. Because of her exceptional endurance and ability to operate secretly, HMS Halland is a vital asset in the Baltic Sea, where submarine detection is particularly challenging due to the stratified waters.
HMS Halland: Creating Submarines
Sensors and command systems were among the more than twenty key systems onboard HMS Halland that were replaced during the refit. These are identical systems to those that will be employed in the A26 Blekinge-class submarines.
Three submarines in the Gotland class were constructed between 1990 and 1997. The final submarine to undergo a comprehensive MLU is HMS Halland. 2018 and 2019 saw the launching of HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland. The Blekinge-class (A26), the most advanced air-independent propulsion submarine currently under production, is being made possible by the upgraded Gotland-class submarines.
As part of the Mid-Life Upgrade, HMS Halland is also implementing over 20 new systems that will be used in the state-of-the-art A26. This helps to de-risk the A26.
