€18.9 Million for Two Product Definition Programmes
Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have signed two agreements dealing with the next generation of corvettes for the Swedish Navy: product definition phases for a mid-life upgrade (MLU) to the existing five VISBY-class vessels and for the follow-on – the so-called VISBY Generation 2. Aggregate value of the contracts is stated at 190MSEK (€18.9 million).
The contracts include requirements’ analysis and respectively mark the start of modification work for the existing corvettes and the acquisition programme for the VISBY Generation 2.
“The contract is a major step forward for Sweden’s surface combat capability, with the upgrade of current corvettes and the creation of the next generation vessels. The VISBY corvettes have been pioneers for 20 years, and after mid-life upgrades they will be well equipped for future assignments. The experience and knowledge that the VISBY-class has gathered over the years will feed into the development of VISBY Generation 2,” commented Lars Tossman, Head of the Kockums Business Area.
The VISBY Generation 2 is a development of the VISBY-class version 5 and will be equipped with a modern anti-ship missile system, torpedo system and air defence missile system.
The first VISBY was launched in June 2000: the MLU aims to make the five existing vessels operationally relevant beyond 2040. In addition to modifying the ships’ existing systems, an air defence missile system will be added as a new capability; the RBS15 anti-ship missile will be upgraded to the latest version; as will the torpedo system, with the new Saab Lightweight Torpedo.
