The Blekinge -class submarine is the next generation of submarines developed by Kockums for the Swedish Navy , [ 4 ] also known as the A26 type. With the end of the Cold War the naval threat from the Soviet Union disappeared and the new submarine class was deemed unnecessary.
Originally the Scandinavian countries had intended to collaborate on the Viking class , but Denmark's withdrawal from submarine operations [ citation needed ] meant that Kockums proceeded on their own. In February the project was cancelled because of disagreements between Kockums's new German owners, ThyssenKrupp , and the Swedish government.
ThyssenKrupp refused to send a complete offer to any potential buyer and demanded that each buyer pay for the entire development rather than sharing the cost. As per protocol, the Swedish government repossessed all equipment belonging to Defence Materiel Administration Sweden , as well as all secret blueprints and images, using an armed escort.
By orders from a manager, Kockums staff tried to sabotage the repossession by locking the gates with the repossession crew and escort still inside. Maritime Today on 18 March reported that the project was restarted after the Swedish government placed a formal order for two A26 submarines for a maximum total cost of SEK 8. Saab has since acquired Kockums.
We shall now be able to maintain our position at the cutting edge of submarine technology, which is vital in the light of current threat scenarios. The plans also included a Mid-Life Upgrade program of two submarines of the Gotland class. Additional submarines could later be ordered to replace the Gotland class, however this will not be decided before On 16 June , the Swedish Parliament authorised the government to procure two new submarines.
