Advanced Submarine ‘A26’ Can Send Spy Drones & Operate Undetected In Contested Waters

Saab, a Swedish defence company, has revealed a next-generation submarine, the A26, for the Swedish Navy.

It is designed to meet the requirements of NATO and marks a new era in underwater warfare.

The company calls it the world’s 5th first-generation such, which can undertake intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance along with engaging targets in precision strikes and seabed warfare.

The technology integrated into the sub is the result of years of engineering, testing and trials in one of the most challenging waters, the Baltic Sea, per company officials.

It uses what Saab calls “balanced multi-domain signatures”.

The submarine also boasts a strong and durable hull, a coating that can absorb radar, and an electronic degaussing system to reduce magnetic and electric signatures.

Saab’s patented Stirling Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system enables the sub to remain underwater for longer periods of time without coming to the surface, ensuring it remains hidden and unidentifiable to enemies.

Its strength lies in its stealth features, which allow it to collect data on enemy communications, radar emissions, movements, coastal as well as open waters.

The advanced systems and sensors make it possible for the sub to operate in contested waters without being detected.

Not only this, the sub can deploy UUVs and special forces from modular payload bays, enabling commanders to communicate with the seafloor, monitor critical maritime chokepoints and sea lines of communication.

The sub is armed with torpedoes and can be equipped with cruise missiles as well. It can easily handle not only sea but also land targets.

The company said that this enables the commanders to strike across multiple domains from underwater, boosting deterrence and combat effectiveness.

The A26’s electronic surveillance can intercept and classify enemy signals and send relevant data it gathers to NATO networks.

Saab also stated that by mapping and spying on enemies, the sub can help in safeguarding maritime infrastructure like rigs, undersea communication cables and so on, all while helping authorities take quick decisions when needed.

The submarine will function as a part of NATO’s integrated Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) framework, wherein air, land, sea, cyber, and space forces share intelligence and coordinate their actions in real-time.

The submarine has the best AI systems, which can process data in the blink of an eye, making it a crucial part of the network.

NATO is continuously upgrading its capabilities to face and deter threats across the globe, and the A26 submarine is Europe’s most advanced milestone when it comes to subsea warfare, combining stealth, striking abilities and intelligence.

Source: Maritime Shipping News