Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop a larger uncrewed underwater vehicle. The order is valued at SEK 60 million and marks a significant step in Sweden’s advancement of autonomous maritime technology.
Development of the Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV)
The project, led by FMV, aims to create a concept for a Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV). Saab will serve as the prime contractor, responsible for the vehicle’s design, construction, and testing. The initiative highlights Sweden’s commitment to strengthening underwater surveillance and security capabilities.
Read more: NATO to Acquire AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles
The first sea trials of the LUUV are scheduled for the summer of 2026, setting a clear timeline for progress.
Integration of Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core
The LUUV will be equipped with Saab’s proprietary autonomous control system, known as Autonomous Ocean Core. This technology is designed to provide advanced autonomous capabilities for both surface and subsurface vessels. Its integration will be key to ensuring the LUUV operates effectively in diverse underwater environments.
Saab’s Perspective on the Project
Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“It is gratifying that together with FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces, we have the opportunity to work quickly and together to develop a new advanced system in a short time. At Saab we get to demonstrate our ability to deliver systems that are both effective and adapted to current and future challenges. The project makes it possible to create innovative solutions that can bring significant progress in underwater technology and fit well with Saab’s already ongoing development work in autonomy.”
Strategic Importance for Sweden
The LUUV project addresses the growing need to monitor and secure seabed infrastructure while detecting and deterring underwater threats. Acting as a sensor platform, the vehicle will serve as a decision-support tool for operators. Importantly, the LUUV will not be armed in its initial phase, focusing instead on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles.
Outlook
With Saab at the helm, Sweden is positioning itself at the forefront of underwater autonomy. By 2026, the LUUV is expected to provide the Swedish Armed Forces with advanced capabilities in underwater monitoring, contributing to national security and innovation in maritime defense.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
