Sweden’s arms procurement agency has officially signed a contract with Finnish boat builder Marine Alutech for the delivery of 20 state-of-the-art watercraft, aimed at equipping the nation’s amphibious battalions. This strategic move comes as part of Sweden’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in response to the transfer of older vessels to Ukraine.
The contract, valued at 130 million Swedish krona (approximately $14 million), focuses on the procurement of the Watercat M9 variant. This new model will be replacing the older Watercat M8 vessels, thereby ensuring that the battalions can sustain their operational readiness.
Under the terms of the contract, deliveries will take place over the next several years, culminating in 2028. The initial phase will include a pre-series boat, succeeded by the remaining units.
Agnes Moberg, project manager for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration’s marine operations area, stated that the primary objective is to bolster maritime safety and adapt to the requirements of the new amphibious battalions. The enhancements are designed to meet contemporary operational demands and improve the overall effectiveness of Sweden’s naval forces.
This contract follows Sweden’s previous commitment in July, which entailed an order of an additional 22 Combat Boat 90 (CB90) Next Generation vessels from Saab, amounting to 900 million Swedish krona ($94 million). This ongoing investment underscores Sweden’s focus on modernizing its military assets.
The newly acquired boats will play a crucial role in transporting personnel and equipment to various operational and base areas associated with the amphibious battalions. The M9 variant boasts several significant improvements over its predecessor. It has the capacity to carry up to eight personnel along with two crew members or transport smaller cargo loads, thus enhancing its versatility.
One of the standout features of the Watercat M9 is its low draft, approximately 40 centimeters (15.7 inches), which allows for operations in shallow waters—less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep. This capability makes the vessel suitable for deployment in both rivers and along coastal beaches.
Powered by a diesel engine paired with a water jet propulsion system, the M9 can achieve service speeds exceeding 30 knots (34.5 miles/55.5 kilometers per hour) even at full capacity. This combination of speed and adaptability represents a significant advancement for Sweden’s amphibious operational capabilities.
