Blekinge Class Submarine (A26)

Blekinge Class Submarine (A26)

Type: Submarine

Domain: sea

Country of Origin: Sweden

Manufacturer: Saab Kockums

First Deployed: 2028

Overview

Sweden's next-generation conventionally-powered submarine representing the cutting edge of diesel-electric submarine technology with revolutionary Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), stealth, and modular design. The A26 features Stirling engine AIP providing 18+ days submerged endurance at patrol speeds without snorkeling, a modular design with Multi Mission Portal (MMP) enabling deployment of special forces, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and additional weapons, advanced X-rudder configuration for exceptional manoeuvrability and stability at all speeds, comprehensive acoustic signature reduction through anechoic coatings and vibration isolation, modern combat management system with AI-assisted tactical decision aids, and advanced sonar suite. Displacement of approximately 2,000 tonnes with length of 63 metres. Armed with 6x 533mm torpedo tubes for heavyweight torpedoes and potentially submarine-launched cruise missiles. The modular construction enables customer-specific configurations. Two boats building for Swedish Navy (HMS Blekinge and Skåne) with delivery expected 2025-2027. Netherlands evaluated A26 for replacement submarines. The A26 represents decades of Swedish submarine development expertise in Baltic operations.

Technical Specifications

typeDiesel-Electric Stealth Submarine with Stirling AIP
planned2 boats
armament533mm torpedoes; mine capability; UUV deployment
featuresMulti-mission portal for UUV/SOF deployment while submerged; extreme acoustic stealth
propulsionDiesel-electric + Stirling AIP
displacement~1,900 tonnes (submerged)
manufacturerSaab Kockums (Sweden)

Operators

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