The A19 Gotland class was developed as part of a modernization program of the Swedish Navy (Svenska Marinen) aimed at acquiring modern submarines capable of operating in the Baltic Sea. Construction of the first unit began in 1992, and in 1996 three submarines – Gotland, Uppland, and Halland – entered service. All three belong to the 1st Submarine Flotilla (Första ubåtsflottiljen, 1. ubflj) of the Royal Swedish Navy, based at the naval base in Karlskrona.
Photos: Michał Szafran, MILMAG
The submarines are 62.4 meters long and can reach speeds of up to 11 knots on the surface and up to 20 knots when submerged. Their propulsion system consists of a single-shaft diesel-electric engine and Stirling engines.
The vessels are equipped with six torpedo tubes, four with a diameter of 533 mm and two with a diameter of 400 mm, and can also carry naval mines. Thanks to a lockout chamber installed vertically in the sail, they are capable of supporting combat divers conducting special operations.
In 2015, a contract was signed for the modernization of the submarines, with all work carried out by Saab Kockums shipyard in Malmö. The last vessel returned to service in December 2025. The upgrades included, among others:
- replacement of the Stirling engines,
- installation of an additional hull section,
- replacement of the traditional periscope with an optronic mast,
- installation of a new sonar,
- integration of new command and communication systems,
- installation of a special forces lockout chamber in the sail.
During the modernization work, some systems developed for the A26 Blekinge-class submarines were incorporated, allowing sailors to transition more easily to the newer design. The Swedish approach to defense has traditionally been characterized by pragmatism, helping to save both time and resources. It is also worth noting that the future interim submarine for Poland, the A17 Södermanland, has also undergone significant modernization, based on systems from the A19 and A26 classes. This will provide additional opportunities for submarine crew training and the exchange of operational experience.
The visit of the submarine to Gdynia, along with the tour of Poland by the Swedish royal couple, is another element in strengthening political and economic cooperation between the Baltic states. This is particularly visible in the defense industry, where several significant procurement agreements have been concluded in recent years.
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