DEFENCE MATERIEL ADMINISTRATION 1999-08-31 Nr 13E/99
Director Communications & Public Affairs
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has handed over the three Gotland class submarines "HMS Gotland", "HMS Uppland" and "HMS Halland" to the Swedish Armed Forces. These submarines are conventional submarines equipped with a machinery (Stirling) which is independent of air supply. This allows the submarines to operate submerged throughout several weeks, a fact that makes these submarines unique.
A study phase started in 1982 in order to substitute the Sjöormen class sub-marines. In 1990 FMV signed a contract with the Swedish company Kockums for aquisition of three new submarines. After delivery from Kockums, FMV has carried through extensive test activities in 1996 - 1997.
Compared with other submarines the Gotland class is a relatively small submarine, containing long endurance and advanced technology and it is probably the most silent of today's conventional submarines. Shortly - the Swedish Armed Forces today have three of the most modern conventional submarines in the world.
Main characteristics:
Displacement 1495 tonnes
Length overall 60,5 m
Diameter of the hull 6,1 m
Weaponry 4 tubes for heavy torpedos type 613, 62
2 tubes for torpedos type 43, 45
Crew 25
For further information from FMV, please contact Captain Jan Nordenman (telephone +46 40 34 82 20) or Director Communications & Public Affairs Kurt Svensson (telephone +46-70-558 41 33).