A Swedish defense project has advanced to further evaluation after Saab's Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (LUUV) demonstrator completed sea trials, giving authorities a platform to assess future maritime surveillance capabilities.
Saab announced Oct. 16 that successful sea trials completed the project's first phase. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) confirmed the launch and said further testing and evaluation in conditions relevant to future use are next. FMV is leading the work with the Swedish Armed Forces and Saab.
FMV awarded Saab a SEK 60 million contract in 2025 to design, build and test the vehicle. Saab is the prime contractor. The company says the demonstrator will help authorities assess future underwater capabilities and whether uncrewed vehicles could work alongside naval assets such as submarines.
Saab expects a later phase to pursue more advanced capabilities. Separately, the company said project results will support continued development of software, sensors and autonomous functions. Saab also said it integrated its Autonomous Ocean Core control system, which provides autonomous capabilities for surface and subsurface vehicles.
FMV describes possible roles including extended operations at sea, with or without human control, and autonomous monitoring of broad areas. The agency says sensors, communications systems and software could aid information gathering, maritime surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure. It presents these as future possibilities, with more evaluation still required.
Saab's 2025 contract notice tied the project to a Swedish need to monitor and map seabed infrastructure and detect or deter threats. The notice characterized the LUUV as a sensor and decision-support platform. Saab said the first-phase vehicle was not being designed to carry weapons.
FMV said the effort could expand Swedish expertise in autonomous systems, marine technology, sensors and software, and create opportunities for local businesses and research organizations. Mats Wicksell, head of Saab's Naval business area, said the vehicle could contribute to "enhanced situational awareness." Further testing and evaluation are next, FMV said, without announcing a date.
