Saab will install MBDA’s Sea Ceptor air defense system in the Swedish Navy’s five Visby-class corvettes under a contract award from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration. The company said the contract is part of a modernization program worth about $166 million that the acquisition agency has initiated for the warships.
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Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums, noted that the upgrade will boost the Swedish Armed Forces’ operational capability “across the entire conflict spectrum,” strengthening both Sweden and NATO’s missile defense. “With the air defense system on board, the Visby-class corvettes will continue to be a vital platform for many years to come,” the the executive said.
System Launcher for MBDA Missiles
Saab will start the Sea Ceptor installation in the corvettes in early 2026. The system is designed to protect a larger area and engage air targets at farther distances. It will deploy the Common Anti-air Modular Missiles that FMV ordered from MBDA in November 2023.
According to a Naval News report, Saab Kockums built the five Swedish corvettes between 2000 and 2009 for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, escort tasks, and mine clearance.
In addition to the Sea Ceptor contract, Saab secured a $135 million FMV deal in early May for additional lightweight torpedoes and torpedo tubes and a $72.5 million award in January to modernize Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capabilities.