Stockholm-class Corvette: Sweden’s Coastal Defender
Dela
The Swedish Stockholm-class corvettes have been a key part of the Navy’s coastal defense since the mid-1980s. Compact, fast, and versatile, they were built to operate in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea and to counter both submarines and surface ships. Today, modernized and adapted for new missions, they continue to serve under the Swedish flag.
Development and Design
The Stockholm-class was developed under the Surface Combatant 81 project (Ytattack-81), which aimed to create modern, cost-effective vessels optimized for littoral warfare.
• Ships in class: HMS Stockholm (K11) and HMS Malmö (K12)
• Shipyard: Karlskronavarvet (later part of Kockums AB)
• Commissioned: 1985
• Displacement: ~320 tons
• Dimensions: 50 m long, 7.5 m wide, 2.6 m draught
• Propulsion: CODAG – two MTU diesel engines (2×1920 kW) + one Allison gas turbine (4715 kW)
• Speed: Around 30 knots (56 km/h)
• Crew: 21 officers + 14 conscripts (total ~35)
This combination of size, speed, and flexibility made them ideal for rapid response in Sweden’s coastal waters.
Armament and Sensors
Original armament included:
- 1 × 57 mm dual-purpose gun (APJ 7103)
- 1 × 40 mm automatic gun m/48 in the stern (later removed in modernization)
- 2 × Ksp 58 machine guns
- 4 × Torped 45 lightweight torpedoes + depth charges/mines
- 8 × RBS-15 anti-ship missiles
Sensors and systems:
- Sea Giraffe surveillance radar
- 9LV 200 fire-control radar
- 90LV 100 optical sensor
- Hull sonar (Simrad SS304)
- Towed sonar (TSM 2642)
- Hydrophone systems
Modernization and Changes
- Between 1999 and 2002, both ships underwent a major mid-life upgrade:
- New aft superstructure and deckhouse over the stern
- Mast modifications to reduce radar cross section
- Improved ventilation and climate systems for international missions
- New davit for rapid launch of rescue boat
- Upgraded combat management and communication systems
- As part of the modernization, the aft 40 mm gun was removed, shifting the ships’ roles more toward patrol and surveillance while maintaining surface combat capability.
Operational Service
For decades, the Stockholm-class corvettes formed part of Sweden’s incident response readiness in the Baltic Sea. They also participated in international operations, most notably in the Gulf of Aden during EU anti-piracy missions. During one patrol, HMS Malmö fired warning shots with her 57 mm gun and detained armed pirates — a striking example of the class’s continuing utility far beyond home waters.
Significance and Legacy
Although newer ships like the Visby-class corvettes now represent Sweden’s cutting-edge naval technology, the Stockholm-class remains active. Their longevity highlights the solid engineering and adaptability of Swedish shipbuilding, proving their value in both national defense and international missions.
For Collectors and Enthusiasts
With their distinctive silhouette, powerful RBS-15 missile battery, and long service history, the Stockholm-class corvettes stand out as iconic warships. They represent a unique chapter of Sweden’s naval history — and an impressive addition to any collection.