The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets Materielverk; FMV) has confirmed that a number of amphibious boats in service with the Swedish Armed Forces will undergo modernisation works to extend their operational lives. Sixteen boats are to be refurbished and then returned to the armed forces over the next three years.
The boats were originally completed in the late 1990s. They have been used on a variety of roles including troop transport and resupply of fuel, food, water, and ammunition. Waterjet propulsion allows the vessels to be operate in shallow near-shore waters.
Camilla Wallentinsson, Project Manager at FMV, said the modernised boats will increase the mobility of the armed forces by providing higher maximum and cruising speeds and longer range. These attributes will be made possible through the installation of more fuel-efficient engines.
The vessels will also feature enhanced self-defence capability by enabling installation of both current and future armament such as machine guns and grenade launchers. Space will also be available for sea mines.
The boats' hulls will each be extended by one metre for improved seakeeping. The wheelhouse will also be upgraded to have an ergonomic layout as well as new navigation and combat management systems.