There are major challenges in locating and attacking foreign submarines in the Baltic Sea. The factors that contribute to the difficulties are the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea, with a topography and a bottom that challenges the sonar systems. The brackish water, the complexities of the archipelago and the intensive sea traffic are further aggravating factors.

These factors set tough requirements on the torpedo’s ability to:

• Localize and identify submarines
• Navigate under water
• Communicate with the firing platform

The sensor system that will localize and identify submarines is tailor made for the environment in the Baltic Sea. Depending on the local environment the torpedo must have the ability to alter speed, navigate with high accuracy and communicate efficiently with the firing platform.

The new torpedo system is primarily intended for the Swedish submarines and Visby-class corvettes. The system in also prepared for helicopter integration.

Evolutionary development

Since the beginning of the 1960’s, four light weight and two heavy weight torpedo systems have been developed in Sweden. Knowledge and experience from this preceding work is now made use of, as well as existing launch systems on both surface ships and submarines.

FMV has used a model where the design has adapted to available funding but enables future upgrades. This creates opportunities for evolutionary development of the torpedo system.

Modular design

The torpedo has a modular construction which provides a number of advantages:

• Possibility to use products already on the market
• Possibility to share technology and solutions with other torpedo systems in the SwAF
• Simplified maintenance.
• Easy to incorporate new technology and add new functions
• The warhead can be exchanged with a training module for exercise and education.
• Simplified process to prepare and restore the torpedo during and after exercises.

FMV has a close collaboration with Saab AB that is contracted to develop and manufacture the new torpedo. The cooperation also includes support from FOI, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, as well as from the SwAF. In 2022, the torpedo system will be installed and ready for the corvettes and submarines in SwAF (IOC).

Timeline

• 2016 FMV signs the contract for development and manufacturing with Saab Dynamics, a subsidiary of Saab AB.
• 2016-2019 Development is ongoing
• 2019 Verification on platform starts
• 2020 System completely developed and ready for manufacturing
• 2023 Fully operational on SwAF corvettes and submarines