The Swedish Defence Material Adminsitration (FMV) awarded Saab AB a $17 million contract to modify and upgrade two Swedish Navy Koster-class mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV).
The contract includes mission system modifications and upgrades; upgrade of the propulsion system; and modernization of the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection and protection capabilities on the vessels. The contract also includes options for further orders in 2017-208 worth $16 million if exercised.
Koster-class MCMVs were part of a series of vessels launched at the Karlskronavarvet shipbuilding and repair yard in the 1980s. The ships were modified in the early 200s to add new capabilities like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The MCMVs can conduct traditional mine-hunting, sweeping, and clearance missions as well as assist in submarine operations.
“Sweden is a world leader in mine countermeasures. We have a long tradition of constructing mine countermeasures vessels with glass fiber hulls. This material not only gives excellent operational capabilities but also provides high availability and low lifecycle costs,” Gunnar Wieslander, head of the Saab Kockums business unit, said in a statement.
The order period runs from 2016-2017 and work will occur in Karlskrona, Sweden.