The Swedish Defense Material Directorate (FMV) has announced the launch of a strategic project to develop Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (Luuv), a large -scale autonomous underwater vehicle aimed at strengthening the country’s sea infrastructure supervisory and defense capabilities.
Saab has been selected as a general contractor and will be responsible for planning, building and testing the new system, which is expected to perform its first sea rehearsals in the summer of 2026.
+ Russia puts three new warships in the midst of marine losses
Advanced autonomous technology
Luuv will be equipped with Saab Autonomous Ocean Core – an autonomous control system that already provides independent operating capabilities for surface and underwater vehicles. Integration allows the vehicle to act as an extremely flexible sensor platform, which is capable of mapping, monitoring and detecting underwater threats.
Mats Wicksell, head of Saab Kocums, said:
“It is gratifying that we are able to develop an advanced system with FMV and the Swedish armed forces in a short period of time. The project provides an opportunity to create innovative solutions that bring significant progress in underwater technology and fit well with SAAB autonomy.”
Initial functions and restrictions
Although it was designed as a decision support tool for Luuv military operators, it will not be armed in its initial phase. Its primary task will be to ensure depth intelligence, observation and detection, thereby expanding Sweden’s capabilities to protect sea routes and critical infrastructure.
Strategic context
The project starts at a time when the supervision of underwater cables, oil and gas pipelines in the geopolitical position of the Baltic Sea is becoming increasingly urgent.
Investing in Saab and FMV into autonomous vehicles confirms Sweden’s strategy based on investment in quiet deterrent and developed underwater operations, preparing the country for current and future threats.
Source and pictures: Saab. This content was made with artificial intelligence and was checked by the editorial team.
