Sweden’s arms procurement agency has finalized a significant contract with Saab, granting the company 1.5 billion Swedish krona (approximately $162.9 million) for the supply of Trackfire Remote Weapon Stations (RWS). This agreement is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the capabilities of the Swedish Army and support the Amphibious Battalion 2030 program, which focuses on fortifying Sweden’s amphibious operations in response to evolving security threats and aligning with NATO operational standards.
The primary objective of the Amphibious Battalion 2030 program is to bolster Sweden’s performance in archipelagos and coastal areas through the integration of advanced military assets. This includes the deployment of new technologies such as advanced mortar boats featuring Patria’s NEMO system, designed for indirect fire support. The incorporation of Trackfire RWS aims to boost direct fire capabilities and enhance the defense against drone threats.
Scheduled deliveries of the Trackfire RWS are set to occur between 2026 and 2028. Saab’s head of business area Surveillance, Carl-Johan Bergholm, expressed pride in the selection of Trackfire RWS as a critical component for enhancing the operational efficiencies of Swedish amphibious forces. He emphasized the company’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the dynamic demands of modern defense challenges. The Trackfire RWS, known for its precision and adaptability, is expected to play an essential role in improving operational effectiveness.
The Trackfire Remote Weapon Station is engineered for use in modern, fast-paced combat scenarios. It can engage targets effectively while in motion and offers aerial coverage when mounted on naval vessels or ground vehicles, as well as in stationary defense roles. One of its key features is a stabilized sensor module that is decoupled from the weapon’s axes, protecting it from recoil effects and enabling operators to maintain a continuous line of sight on targets. This design significantly minimizes the time taken for target acquisition.
For counter-drone missions, the Trackfire system is equipped with a 30×113mm M230LF Bushmaster chain gun, allowing for the effective neutralization of unmanned aerial systems using proximity-fuzed ammunition. Additionally, the weapon station can be adapted to various weapon platforms, including the M2 12.7mm heavy machine gun, FN MAG 58 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun, Mk19 40×53mm grenade launcher, and the H&K GMG 40×53mm grenade launcher. There is also potential for integration with non-lethal effectors and electronic jamming systems, further enhancing its versatility in modern combat scenarios.
