Saab and ST Engineering form partnership to develop new ship classes tailored for diverse naval missions.

On May 5, 2025, Saab and ST Engineering have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate collaboration in the design and construction of maritime vessels. The agreement is intended to explore joint business opportunities by leveraging both companies’ respective competencies in naval systems and shipbuilding. According to Daniel Oscarsson, Head of Business Unit Surface Ships at Saab Kockums, the MoU opens possibilities for joint efforts on new naval projects. Harris Chan, Head of International Business and Head of Naval and Maritime Security Services at ST Engineering, stated that the partnership is structured to pursue developments in specialized naval vessel construction based on both firms’ technical capabilities.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The agreement seeks to combine the strengths of both companies in naval engineering and maritime defense, expanding their reach to global customers and offering integrated naval solutions. (Picture source: Saab)

The Swedish company Saab designs, builds, and maintains naval surface vessels and submarines with a focus on modularity, stealth, and operational flexibility. Its naval portfolio includes underwater systems, combat systems, surface ships, and submarines. Saab’s offerings in underwater systems include mine countermeasure solutions such as MuMNS. Its 9LV combat system and associated components support surface combatants and are integrated into several vessel types. Saab’s submarine designs fall into two principal segments: Oceanic and Expeditionary. The Oceanic segment is represented by the Blekinge-class (A26) submarine, which is under construction for the Royal Swedish Navy. The A26 features modular construction, the Stirling air-independent propulsion system (AIP), and the Multi Mission Portal designed for the deployment of manned and unmanned vehicles. These submarines incorporate stealth technologies aimed at reducing detection probability, are shock-tested to withstand underwater explosions, and support mid-life upgrades for lifecycle management.

The Expeditionary segment, exemplified by the C71 family, offers long-endurance, forward-deployable platforms with larger payload capacities and accommodation. The Collins-class submarines, built by Saab Kockums in cooperation with the Australian Submarine Corporation, fall within this category. Between 1993 and 2001, six Collins-class submarines were delivered to the Royal Australian Navy using modular construction and design transfer. Each vessel measures 77.8 meters in length, with a beam of 7.8 meters and a waterline depth of 7 meters. These submarines were the largest conventionally powered models in service at the time of their delivery. Saab submarines are equipped with integrated sensor suites and combat management systems designed for situational awareness and data analysis. Submarine platforms incorporate flexible payload bays capable of carrying a range of equipment, including UAVs and diver systems. All current Swedish submarines use the Stirling AIP system, which has been in operational service for over three decades and delivered to multiple export customers.

Saab’s surface vessels include the Visby-class corvettes, Docksta CB 90HSM combat boats, mine countermeasure vessels such as the Koster and Landsort classes, and various interceptors and patrol boats. The Visby-class, designed for littoral operations, incorporates features such as composite superstructures for reduced radar signatures, high-speed propulsion, and shock resistance. Saab's surface fleet also includes boats tailored for patrol, mine countermeasures, and transport roles, including models like the IC16M and IC20M interceptor crafts, and lightweight superstructures for reduced topside weight. These vessels are developed with operational conditions in the Baltic Sea in mind. The region’s shallow average depth of 70 meters, mixed salinity, and presence of over 60,000 undetonated mines from past conflicts demand specific ship characteristics. Saab’s vessels are designed accordingly to maintain functionality in mine-infested and shallow waters.

The Singaporean company ST Engineering, with over five decades of experience in naval shipbuilding, designs and builds a wide range of naval vessels for both military and civilian missions. Its portfolio includes the Vanguard-class multi-role combatants, which integrate digital technologies for operational efficiency and smaller crew requirements. The company also manufactures Formidable-class frigates and Victory-class missile corvettes for high-speed and precision missions. The Endurance-class Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), delivered to the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Thai Navy, are configured for vertical lift operations using helicopters and surface lift using ship-to-shore connectors. These vessels serve as platforms for command, logistics, and humanitarian deployments.

Additional platforms produced by ST Engineering include the Brave-class ship-to-shore connectors, designed for transporting personnel and equipment between platforms and coastal areas, and the Fast Craft Utility and Fast Craft Equipment and Personnel (FCEP) vessels, which support transport of troops or vehicles and can operate from typical sandy shores. For maritime security missions, ST Engineering provides the Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels, which integrate navigation, engineering, and combat operations into a central command space. Other patrol platforms include the Fearless-class and Al-Ofouq-class vessels, used for surveillance and patrol by navies such as those of Singapore and Oman. The Falaj 3-class offshore patrol vessels are equipped for a range of missions, including search and rescue and maritime patrol.

ST Engineering also develops unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of operating under supervisory command. These can be equipped with different payloads depending on mission requirements. One model, the Firefighting USV, features a catamaran hull and integrates with ST Engineering’s heavy firefighting vessels. This USV is fitted with predictive diagnostics, condition-based maintenance systems, and decision support tools. In the field of maritime safety, the company has developed the Heavy Firefighting Vessel, which is certified for FiFi 3 operations and capable of responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents. The vessel includes dynamic positioning features and was enhanced in 2022 with second-generation improvements.