Saab picks iXBlue’s fiber-optic gyroscopes for Sweden’s new submarines

Saab has awarded the French navigation technology provider iXBlue a seven-year contract to deliver fiber-optic gyroscope technology for the two next-gen A26 submarines of the Swedish Navy.

The contract will see iXBlue provide its MARINS inertial systems for the submarines.

Built by Saab, the A26 is scheduled to be operational by 2024. It is considered today as the world’s most modern submarine program. As the submarine will be specially built to operate submerged for extended periods, the inertial equipment will require reliability and accuracy, the French company said.

This is not the first time iXBlue is working with Saab as the company delivered 7 MARINS units to equip the Swedish Navy’s in-service Gotland-class submarines in 2015.

According to the company, the iXBlue MARINS inertial navigation system enables stealth autonomous navigation, and provides accurate heading, roll, pitch, speed and position in GNSS-denied environment.

Jan Aadland, iXBlue Sales Manager, said: “We are proud to have been selected to equip both the existing and future submarines of the Swedish Navy; our partnership with Saab keeps intensifying. Together the understanding of our client’s needs and iXBlue’s unique products are key to our success.”