Saab’s A26 submarines combine stealth, drones and Stirling propulsion

The A26 submarines, known in the Swedish Navy as the Blekinge class, represent a new generation of conventional vessels designed for surveillance, intelligence gathering and special operations. The program initially includes the construction of HMS Blekinge and HMS Skåne.

One of their main distinguishing features is the air-independent propulsion system based on Stirling engines. The technology allows the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods without frequently using its snorkel, reducing its exposure to radar, aircraft and surveillance sensors.

In the forward section, the A26 has six torpedo tubes designed to deploy heavy and lightweight weapons against surface vessels and other submarines. The total number of torpedoes carried has not been publicly disclosed, but Saab says the design will be able to employ long-range torpedoes and accommodate future weapon options.

The A26 also features a multi-mission portal in the bow, developed to launch and recover divers, specialized equipment and underwater drones. These unmanned vehicles can conduct reconnaissance, inspect infrastructure on the seabed and extend the reach of the submarine’s sensors.

With low noise levels, a digital architecture and the ability to operate in shallow waters, the A26 was designed especially for environments such as the Baltic Sea. The project demonstrates how modern submarines are evolving from conventional combat platforms into mobile centers for intelligence gathering and operations involving unmanned systems.

Source and images: SAAB