BLUF
David Szondy argues that the Swedish navy's new Submarines significantly add to NATO's capability by delivering a sustained effect against a potential Russian threat for an extended period.Summary
David Szondy writing in New Atlas makes the following points regarding the end of Swedish neutrality and its new submarine class.
- Sweden has a long history of advanced submarine design, including developing Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.
- In an Exercise the Swedish submarine Gotland famously "sunk" the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan without being detected.
- Joining NATO means Sweden has to integrate its forces into NATO command and control and train with other NATO countries.
- The Baltic Sea has shallow waters, complex coastlines, and ices over in the winter, so it is unsuited for nuclear submarines.
- The new Blekinge-class sub is quiet, has a relatively long range, and comes in 3 different sizes, including large boats suitable for the Indo-Pacific.
Note: Australia's Collins Class submarine was designed by Kockums, now SAAB, which wants to be involved in any interim submarine for Australia.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- New Collins-based submarine ‘best fit’ while waiting for Aukus, defence experts say - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Second-hand Japanese boats could rapidly expand Australia’s submarine force - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- NOV 2021 How a Tiny Swedish Sub Took Down an Entire US Aircraft Carrier-Interesting Engineering
- JAN 2022 No Joke: Sweden Builds (And Sells) Some of the World's Best Submarines-the National Interest
- JUL 2022 Sweden's new, quiet submarines could give Russia even more headaches-Insider
