Saab Equips Swedish Visby-class Corvettes with Enhanced Air Defence Capabilities

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Saab has been awarded a contract by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to equip the Swedish Navy’s five Visby-class corvettes with the Sea Ceptor air defence system from MBDA. This upgrade, valued at approximately SEK 1.6 billion, will significantly enhance Sweden’s and NATO’s air defence capabilities.

Visby-class corvettes with Sea Ceptor air defence. Impression: MBDA

The order for Saab is part of FMV’s long-term plan to maintain and modernise the five Visby-class corvettes. This new naval air defence system allows for protection of a considerably larger area and the engagement of air targets at longer ranges compared to the existing weapon systems currently on board the vessels.

“This modification strengthens both Sweden’s and NATO’s air and missile defence by increasing the Swedish Armed Forces' operational capability and ability to operate across the entire conflict spectrum. With the air defence system on board, the Visby-class corvettes will continue to be a vital platform for many years to come,” says Mats Wicksell, Head of Saab’s business area Kockums.

FMV has previously placed an order for the Sea Ceptor air defence system with MBDA. Saab's work on modifying the Visby-class corvettes and installing the system will begin in early 2026.