By Dr. Ann Griffiths, 12 June 2024
This is a second installment about my trip – sponsored by SAAB – to Sweden in May. In my previous post I discussed the vibrant Swedish defence industry and examined a few differences between Canada and Sweden in terms of naval focus and challenges. In this post, I want to comment briefly on submarines and timelines.
After some serious hiccups and a change of ownership of the facility, two submarines are being built for Sweden by SAAB Kockums in Karlskrona, Sweden. These two submarines – the A26, or Blekinge-class – will join the submarines Sweden already has. Although behind the initial timelines, the first sub is scheduled to be complete in 2027 and the second in 2028.
In our briefings it was made clear that SAAB Kockums would be happy to work with Canada on a new submarine – and would be willing to work with RCN personnel on the design. (It was also pointed out that Babcock maintains Canada’s subs and SAAB has relations with Babcock so maintenance contracts could stay with the same company.) A preliminary design has already been suggested, the C71 which would be a larger version of the A26. There are no existing versions of this sub, but preliminary designs exist for it.
So how does this relate to Canada? Canada is ‘exploring’ the possibilities and options of new submarines. How long this exploration will last is unknown. What was most interesting to me in the discussion about Canada and the C71 was the timeline. SAAB Kockums will finish building the second A26 in 2028. We were told that the detailed design work for a C71 would take three years, and the build would take four years. So, if Canada made a decision to purchase the C71, a design could be finalized in the next three years and then, as the second A26 is finished and the SAAB Kockums production line is still hot, the C71 build could start. Imagine that – if the timeline held which is of course never certain -- Canada could get a new AIP submarine in less than 10 years. SAAB Kockums’ C71 is not the only contender for Canada’s new subs (if there are any), and other companies are undoubtedly making their own case, but the timelines work nicely here.
5 thoughts on “SAAB, Subs and Timelines”
Having been on two Swedish Gotland class submarines, they are very good boats for the scope of operations they usually undertake namely littoral work in the Baltic.
However with that said, Sweden does have experience with an ocean going type which, I will add, have already been in service for many decades. This is of course the Collins Class of Australia.
As we know, the birth of the Collins class was, to say tumultuous would be an utter understatement. The Australians have had a lot of issues with the class some of which self inflicted including the humorous wooden plug they put in because during the launch of HMAS Collins that part wasn’t completed.
Many of the issues at the start were down to the Saab group and Kockums, but eventually when the boats got their issues ironed out they proved very effective and useful. Indeed they remain in service today albeit now with aging issues.
The Collins class remains the only real major limited export success for this company and you have to ask yourself why? And then ask why are many countries including very recently the Dutch not selecting this submarine for their navies either preferring German, or French boats.
My first choice
KSS3 by Hanwha
My second choice
KSS3 by Hyundai
Seriously, I think the KSS3 has the inside track, motivated vendors, construction timelines.
The Korean boats are not a bad choice, however I do favor the German offering.
What’s the build schedule/timeline for the U212CD?
Currently the Norwegian navy has the first boat of the class already in build the German boats are not far behind it looks like they are building 2 boats per year and are expanding the facilities as well.
The 212CD Program started in 2018 and it is now 2024 thats 6 years in development to first steel cut and building, which is pretty good.
Below is the projected delivery dates also note that for the Germans these won’t be direct replacements for their 212A class indeed these are in addition too so we could see another 4-7 of these being built for Germany beyond 2035.
Norway:
Boat 1 expected 2029
Boat 2 expected 2031
Boat 3 Expected 2032
Boat 4 expected 2033
Boat 5 Expected 2034
Boat 6 expected 2035
Options for more
Germany:
Boat 1 expected 2030
Boat 2 Expected 2031
Boat 3 Expected 2032
Boat 4 Expected 2033
Boat 5 Expected 2034
Boat 6 Expected 2035
Options for more 3 are confirmed as options