Navy’s Large Underwater Drone: Saab’s Latest Innovation
Following the development of the Orca by Boeing for the US Navy, the Excalibur utilized by the Royal Navy, and the UCUV commissioned by the French Defense Procurement Agency for the French Navy, a new Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LUUV) is set to emerge in Sweden.
On August 29, Saab announced that it has been awarded a contract valued at approximately €5.5 million by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop a concept for a large uncrewed underwater vehicle.
This project will be partially conducted by Kockums, a subsidiary of Saab specializing in submarine construction. Initial sea trials for this LUUV are scheduled to commence in the summer of 2026.
According to Saab’s brief explanations, the operation of this LUUV will rely partly on its “Autonomous Ocean Core” technology, described as an “independent control system designed to make vessels autonomous.”
Mats Wicksell, the director of Kockums, expressed satisfaction in collaborating swiftly with the FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces to develop this advanced system within a short timeframe. He noted that this project aims to create innovative solutions that could significantly advance underwater technology and aligns perfectly with Saab’s ongoing developments in autonomy.
Saab emphasizes that the capability to monitor and map underwater infrastructure is “crucial,” as well as the ability to detect and deter underwater threats. Equipped with sensors, the LUUV will serve as a decision-support tool for operators and is not initially designed to carry weapons.
Saab to develop large autonomous underwater vehicle for Sweden.
Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for a larger uncrewed underwater vehicle.
Read more here: https://t.co/95chfOFSPv#SuperiorAtSea #Underwater #LUUV pic.twitter.com/NlA02GtJvD
— Saab (@Saab) August 29, 2025
The development of a large underwater drone could have been part of a program funded by the European Defence Fund (FEDef). However, no such project has been selected so far.
This has led to scattered initiatives. In addition to Saab’s projects, Naval Group, and Drass, the German company TKMS, in collaboration with Atlas Elektronik, EvoLogics, and several research centers, is developing the Modifiable Underwater Mothership (MUM), which is expected to be the “largest underwater drone in the world.”
Nevertheless, the FMV has clarified its expectations regarding this program. Jesper Fahlén, project manager for underwater combat systems, stated that this LUUV must possess the “ability to autonomously monitor vast areas.” This could potentially prevent a recurrence of the “periscope syndrome,” which arose after a Soviet submarine ran aground in the Karlskrona archipelago, near a significant naval base, 500 km from Stockholm.
“This system will provide the armed forces with enhanced capabilities in surveillance, detection, and threat mitigation. It arrives at a critical time given the current global situation,” concluded Mr. Fahlén.
According to the illustration provided by Saab, this LUUV could operate in conjunction with an A26 submarine (Blekinge class), with two units expected to be delivered to the Swedish Navy by 2030.