Svekon Develops New Hatch System for Visby-Class Corvette in Close Collaboration with Saab, FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces

Press release

Engineering company Svekon is currently developing a new and modernized hatch system for the RBS15 missile system onboard the Visby-class corvette. The project is carried out on behalf of Saab Dynamics and in close collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces.

Development of the new hatch system began in January 2023 with a concept and feasibility study and has since progressed through several development phases. Svekon is now in the final stage of phase three, which includes verification and preparations for serial production. The next step will be onboard installation trials, with completion planned for 2026. Serial production is scheduled to begin during 2026, and the systems will be gradually introduced across the fleet through 2030.

The objective of the project is to deliver an integrated hatch system designed for demanding naval environments, with high requirements regarding radar signature, speed, and robustness.

”For us at Svekon, this assignment demonstrates the breadth of our capabilities — from concept to finished product. It is an honour to contribute to Sweden’s naval capabilities together with some of the country’s leading defence organizations.”

– Jakob Jensen, Head of Defence & Security at Svekon

The project is carried out by a team of 12–14 engineers with expertise in mechanics, electronics, hydraulics, systems engineering, system safety, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS).

Throughout the project, particular focus has been placed on material selection, weight optimization, and performance — all critical factors in maintaining the vessels’ low radar signature and operational capability.

The assignment includes the design and delivery of one complete and fully verified shipboard system. The Swedish Armed Forces’ long-term objective is to equip all five Visby-class corvettes during their ongoing mid-life upgrade program.

The system will contribute to the continued modernization of the Visby-class corvettes and strengthen their future operational capability.