Sweden Unveils Plan For Cutting Edge Naval Support Fleet

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract for four new logistic support vessels, marking an important milestone in strengthening the Royal Swedish Navy’s sea-based mobile sustainment capability. The deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2030.

The procurement of the logistic support vessels began in the summer of 2024, and with the contract signing, the project has entered its production phase. This marks a significant development in the project strategy, which aims to acquire a civilian vessel platform and subsequently integrate weapons as well as military command, control, and communications (C3) systems at a separately procured shipyard responsible for militarisation.

According to FMV, the acquisition of the logistic support vessels is part of a broader effort to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ sea-based mobile logistics capability. This initiative aims to provide the military with a more flexible and resilient logistics system that can operate independently from traditional ports and bases.

“The procurement of the logistic support vessels began in the summer of 2024, and with the contract signing we are now entering the production phase,” Carl Johan Widmark, Project Manager at FMV, explained. “The project strategy is to acquire a civilian vessel platform and subsequently integrate weapons as well as military command, control, and communications (C3) systems at a separately procured shipyard responsible for militarisation.”

This approach is designed to provide the Swedish Navy with a flexible and adaptable logistics capability that can respond quickly to changing operational requirements. The logistic support vessels will play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s sea-based mobile sustainment efforts, enabling them to maintain their capabilities and respond to emerging threats.

The development of the logistic support vessel program represents a significant investment in the Swedish Navy’s capabilities and will provide them with a critical advantage in terms of logistics flexibility and resilience. With deliveries scheduled for 2030, the new vessels are expected to play a key role in supporting the Navy’s operations in the years to come.

Key Specifications The four new logistic support vessels will be designed and built by Freire Shipyard, a Spanish shipbuilder with extensive experience in designing and building civilian vessel platforms. The vessels will feature advanced naval architecture and engineering, with a focus on providing maximum flexibility and adaptability for the Swedish Navy’s operational requirements.

In terms of key specifications, the logistics support vessels are expected to measure 90 meters in length, 12 meters in beam, and 4 meters in draft. They will be powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems, which will provide a high degree of efficiency and reliability. Advanced naval command, control, and communications (C3) systems will also enable the Swedish Navy to operate effectively in complex maritime environments.

Furthermore, the logistic support vessels will be equipped with specialized equipment such as underwater maintenance facilities, crane systems, and storage compartments for supplies and equipment. These features will enable the Swedish Navy to maintain its capabilities in remote or isolated areas, without relying on traditional ports or bases.

The procurement of the logistic support vessels has been a long-term effort by FMV to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ sea-based mobile logistics capability. With the new vessels set to be delivered in 2030, they are expected to play a key role in supporting the Navy’s operations in the years to come.

This initiative builds on existing investments in naval modernization and will further strengthen the Swedish Navy’s capabilities in terms of logistics flexibility and resilience. The delivery of the logistic support vessels is seen as a critical milestone in the development of this capability, marking an important step towards achieving full operational readiness.

With their advanced design, engineering, and equipment, the new logistic support vessels are expected to provide the Swedish Navy with a highly effective logistics system that can operate independently and respond quickly to changing operational requirements.