In a significant move to bolster its maritime defense capabilities, Sweden has officially entered into an agreement to procure “Gavia” autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) from Teledyne. This deal, valued at 190 million Swedish kroner (approximately $17 million), will extend until 2028, with the potential for future extensions.
The Gavia AUV, designed to enhance the Swedish Navy’s operational efficiency, will primarily aid in mapping the seabed and producing high-resolution sonar images crucial for object detection operations. This advanced technology is expected to significantly improve Sweden’s mine countermeasure capabilities, along with supporting various other underwater missions.
The Gavia AUV is praised for its portable and modular design, making it versatile for different types of underwater tasks. This includes not only mine countermeasures but also quick environmental assessments and search and recovery operations. Remarkably, the system can be deployed by just two operators from ships or offshore platforms, streamlining the deployment process.
With the capability to dive to depths of 1,000 meters (around 3,280 feet) and a maximum speed exceeding 5.5 knots (10 kilometers/6.3 miles per hour), the Gavia AUV is equipped with an advanced navigation system supported by underwater acoustic positioning. Its modular nature allows for future upgrades, enabling the incorporation of additional payloads such as synthetic aperture sonar and magnetometers, further expanding its operational capabilities.
This procurement comes at a time when Sweden is amplifying its maritime security measures amid rising regional tensions. Earlier this month, Finland deployed a patrol vessel under NATO command in the Baltic Sea, a move aligned with the recent NATO Baltic Sentry operation aimed at safeguarding underwater communication cables and pipelines from potential threats and sabotage.
This growing focus on maritime security in the region is underscored by incidents such as the cutting of two telecom cables in Swedish waters last November, which investigators linked to a Chinese vessel present in the vicinity at the time. The procurement of the Gavia AUV is seen as a proactive step by Sweden to enhance its underwater security capabilities and respond to evolving threats in a contentious geopolitical landscape.
