Submarines

With more than 100 years’ experience, Saab has delivered 20+ submarines classes and 5 generations of evolutionary design across 3 continents. Read on to discover more about Saab’s submarines and the world’s first 5th generation submarine.

A changing threat – an adaptable solution

The world below the waves is changing as much as the world above it. New capabilities are bringing fresh opportunities, as well as rejuvenated threats from old adversaries. The introduction of AI, the emergence of Arctic access, and the ongoing transformance of a once-dependable geopolitical landscape means that previously impossible underwater feats are now not only achievable, but necessary. In today’s world, for a state to secure its future it must have the means of defending its critical national infrastructure. It must have the means of defending its shipping lanes. To do so, a state must have assets that can engage in seabed warfare. Assets that can reach further, perform longer, adapt faster. Saab is proud to be at the forefront of submarine and underwater development. And our modular, evolutionary approach means we always will be.

What is Saab’s evolutionary approach?

Since 1904, Saab has consistently introduced new and generation-defining technologies to its submarines. It was Saab who produced the first fully welded submarine hulls in the 1930s, introduced the X-form rudder in the 1960s, revolutionised Air independent propulsion in the 1980s and today, defined a new generation of submarine with full digitisation and the capacity for system-of-systems operations with uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). Saab submarines are able to meet the needs of different navies thanks to modular design. Among other benefits, future upgrades and modifications can be retrofitted with ease, meaning not only are Saab’s designs, but Saab submarines are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the future.

A different class

Saab has created more than 20 different classes of submarine in the course of its history. Beginning with Saab’s Svärdfisken (swordfish) class in 1914, each iteration has demonstrated and expanded our underwater expertise. Our shipbuilding capacity improved, our shipyards expanded and the knowledge of our engineers and designers grew. The Sjöormen (sea serpent) class improved upon the Draken (dragon) class by introducing a teardrop-shaped hull, an X-form rudder and stealth-enhancing anechoic tiles. The Västergötland class set, and holds, the record for simultaneous torpedo launches against different targets. The Gotland class were the first submarines in the world to utilise the Stirling engine air-independent propulsion system, increasing underwater endurance many times over. The Saab submarines of today can all receive mid-life upgrades, ensuring each Saab submarine remains at the forefront of technological capability and performance.

Our submarine segments

Our Oceanic and Expeditionary submarines fulfil a variety of different roles and have different capabilities but share the same superior Saab designs.

Our products

Here's our offer within Submarines.

The Oceanic range is Saab’s submarine cornerstone, developed through revolutionary, forward-thinking designs and more than 100 years of experience. Scroll down to discover the capabilities of the Oceanic range.

Oceanic range submarines

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Submarines in the Expeditionary segment are the largest in the series, designed for much longer mission durations, greater crew size and increased weapon payload capability. Expeditionary submarines enable long-distance operations, suitable for any navy using forward deployment of their submarines on extended missions.

Expeditionary range submarines

Tides change quickly. The Autonomous Ocean Drone change quicker still. This large uncrewed underwater vehicle (LUUV) from Saab inherits a legacy of more than a century of submarine and underwater excellence.

Autonomous Ocean Drone