In 2025, FMV, in collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces and Saab, has been working on upgrading the sensor on the Visby corvette to be able to combat very small drones with reconnaissance radar and guns.
“The Navy’s ships are built to protect against anti-ship missiles, ships and aircraft. But after Russia attacked Ukraine, we have seen the importance of being able to protect ourselves against small drones over land and water. It is a real threat that we must take seriously and that is why this entire upgrade has come about,” says Åke Krantz, engineer FMV.
The work to upgrade the sensor on the reconnaissance radar has gone from idea to implementation in two years.
“We got the idea when we listened to a lecture on the new threat from drones. We started to think about what opportunities we had to modify the existing reconnaissance radar to be able to quickly add a new capability. We asked Saab to produce a couple of proposals that they could show us. Our choice, which involves adding new software and new computers, has sharpened the reconnaissance radar and given it the ability to detect very small and relatively slow vehicles. When we were confident that it would work well enough, we showed it to the Armed Forces,” says Åke Krantz.
And in January 2025, FMV was commissioned by the Swedish Armed Forces to install the new capability on all corvettes. It was also wanted to be installed on board a ship before the end of the year.
“We have deliberately had a very high ambition in this work, and we have worked hard to achieve the goal, which we succeeded in. Our focus has been on making it fast, but we haven’t made corners, we’ve done everything in the right way,” says Åke Krantz.
He highlights the collaboration with the Armed Forces and Saab as a success factor in the work.
“As soon as there has been the slightest question mark, we have solved it quickly, so as not to get stuck. We have all had a focus on moving forward and it has been a very good environment to work in. What’s incredibly fun about this job is that we can do things faster if we just do it right from the start.
Live tests at sea
The latest upgrade means that the ship can detect small targets and shoot at long ranges. HMS Nykoping was the first to carry out live tests at sea, which involved shooting down very small drones.
“It worked very well, beyond expectations. So, it feels really, fun,” says Åke Krantz.
Corvette type Visby is the first to be introduced on more ship types shortly. The Navy already has electronic jamming systems as defense against drones, and the two capabilities complement each other.
“When we finished the tests on HMS Nykoping, the ship’s commander expressed how extremely happy he is that they have this new capability on board and how much of a difference it will make. For them, the drone threat is a reality. I was a little taken by that. What for me is an interesting technical job really means something to those whose job it is to protect me and all of us,” says Åke Krantz.