Saab to develop large autonomous underwater vehicle for Sweden

September 1, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense and security company Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for a larger uncrewed underwater vehicle.

The goal of the project, led by FMV, is to develop a concept for a larger uncrewed underwater vehicle, known as a Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV). Saab is the prime contractor for the LUUV and will be responsible for the design, construction, and testing of the vehicle.

Saab’s autonomous control system, Autonomous Ocean Core, which provides autonomous capabilities for vessels on and below the water surface, will be integrated into the vehicle’s systems. The first sea trials are planned for the summer of 2026.

According to the company, the LUUV will be a sensor platform developed to have various capabilities. It will serve as a decision support tool for operators and will not be designed to carry weapons in the first phase.

The value of the deal is SEK 60 million ($6.3 million).

“It is gratifying that together with FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces, we have the opportunity to work quickly and together to develop a new advanced system in a short time. At Saab we get to demonstrate our ability to deliver systems that are both effective and adapted to current and future challenges,” said Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums.

“The project makes it possible to create innovative solutions that can bring significant progress in underwater technology and fit well with Saab’s already ongoing development work in autonomy.”

This month, Saab acquired local submarine parts supplier Deform to strengthen the security of supply for the Swedish defense industry.