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Visby korvetter Generation 2

The Visby Generation 2 is a development of Visby-class version 5 and will be equipped with a modern anti-ship missile system, torpedo system and air defence missile system. Saab unveiled the next generation corvette ships at the IMDEX Asia 2017 international martime defence exhibition and conference, at the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore. The new Saab’s next generation Corvette is a hybrid design with a reinforced steel hull, combined with a lightweight composite superstructure, enhances performance and reduces life-cycle cost.

In October 2020 the government presented the total defense bill, which will form the basis for, among other things, the navy's development until 2025 when a new decision is made. The investments that are made include starting acquisition of a total of 4 new surface warships (Visby generation 2). The plans call for the five Visby corvettes to be upgraded and extended for life, and for new slightly larger vessels to be developed.

The new corvette would be larger corvette than the Visby Class (100m instead of around 73m) which would have the capability of surface- surface missile (SSM), vertically launched air defence missiles, two guns and anti-submarine torpedos and variable depth sonar. The hull would be manufacured in steel with the superstructure in composite material, ending up with a weight of around 2,500 tons.

The Swedish Navy will need to replace two generations of corvettes and it is the Saab/Kockums vision that this can be provided through a larger Class stealth corvette working in unison with smaller ‘streetfighters’ that could be either manned or unmanned.

On 25 January 2021 Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed two agreements concerning the next generation of surface ships and corvettes. A Product Definition Phase for the Mid-Life Upgrades (MLU) of five Visby-class corvettes, as well as a Product Definition Phase for the next generation; Visby Generation 2 corvettes. The collected value of the contracts is 190 MSEK [US$23,000,000].

There is considerable international interest in the Visby corvettes: open almost any international naval journal and the impact of the Visby-class ships is immediately apparent in many new naval designs. But so far, Sweden is the only country to have built a true stealth corvette. It is of course vital that Sweden exploit this lead. But one of the Swedish vessels must be fully operational with the Swedish Navy before export orders start arriving at Kockums, because a reference customer is crucial in securing an export order.

"In the Swedish Navy's operational environment, namely the littoral zone, the stealth-technology Visby-class corvettes are the right concept for the future. After final delivery and commissioning, these vessels will form the core of the Swedish Navy for years to come. And our stealth concept has already attracted considerable international attention," says Rear Admiral Anders Grenstad, Inspector General of the Royal Swedish Navy.

Despite Sweden’s continued abstention from the “ocean option”, its navy is likely to be called on to join others in military or security operations in waters farther from its traditional dominion. This has given impetus to the Visby of tomorrow, or the “Visby Plus.”

At Kockums development is going ahead on larger versions of Visby, designed in accordance with Det Norske Veritas Naval Rules, with a variety of equipment options aimed at the international market. The Visby Plus has been programmed to reduce production costs, even as it will have full stealth technology. Its design takes a modular approach to simplify customization, including weight and volume reserved for future modifications.

The initial Visby Plus carbon-fibre cored composite model is 88 meters LOA, with 1 500 tonnes displace-ment. Its prime functions will be anti-submarine warfare, surface attack, air defence, training, and patrol. According to preliminary calculations, when compared to a conventional propeller-driven steel vessel, with an aluminium superstructure, funnel exhausts, and non-stealth weapons and sensors, the new design will have the following considerable gains:

• A lower profile for a reduced visual signature
• A lighter, more shock-resistant structure
• A lower displacement and draft, requiring less engine power
• Reduced fuel consumption, hull maintenance, and operating costs
• Lower hydroacoustic, magnetic, infrared, and radar signatures.

The new corvettes would have berths for 71 crew, a helipad and hangar, two universal cranes and two ship’s boats. The propulsion will be four diesel engines of about 7 400 kW driving four waterjets. The engine room will be set aft, to leave appreciable volume amidships for operations. An integrated system will control, monitor, and provide support for navigation, propulsion, electrical power, peripheral systems, ship safety, fire protection, and damage control. Weapons and command-and-control systems will be NATO-compatible.