Saab has received a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to provide the Sea Ceptor air defence system from MBDA for the Swedish Navy’s five Visby-class corvettes.
This enhancement, estimated at around SEK 1.6 billion, is part of FMV’s strategic initiative to sustain and upgrade the five Visby-class corvettes.
This advanced naval air defence system enables the protection of a significantly larger area and allows for the engagement of aerial targets at greater distances than the current weapon systems installed on the vessels.
“This modification strengthens both Sweden’s and NATO’s air and missile defence by increasing the Swedish Armed Forces’ operational capability and ability to operate across the entire conflict spectrum. With the air defence system on board, the Visby-class corvettes will continue to be a vital platform for many years to come,” says Mats Wicksell, Head of Saab’s business area Kockums.
FMV has previously placed an order for the Sea Ceptor air defence system with MBDA. Saab’s work on modifying the Visby-class corvettes and installing the system will begin in early 2026.
Sea Ceptor represents the latest generation of naval air defence weapon systems, offering strong protection for the host platform and accompanying vessels.
By leveraging advanced technologies, Sea Ceptor ensures comprehensive defence against both known and anticipated maritime air threats. This weapon system was officially integrated into service with the Royal Navy’s Type 23 Frigates in 2018 and is set to be adopted by several other nations in the coming years. Future enhancements will see Sea Ceptor deployed on the Royal Navy’s Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, while its missile will also serve as the intermediate air defence layer for Type 45 Destroyers.
Sea Ceptor utilizes the same Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) that is being introduced into service with the British Army for Ground-Based Air Defence, highlighting the advantages of a unified stockpile and providing cost efficiencies throughout its lifecycle. The Sea Ceptor system offers Local Area Air Defence capabilities for both new and existing ships without the need for intricate platform sensor integration, thanks to its fully active architecture.
