Sweden’s Visby Corvettes to Enhance Air Defense with New Vertical Launch Systems

April 14, 2025
In a strategic move to bolster its naval capabilities, Sweden has confirmed that its Visby class corvettes will be equipped with Lockheed Martin's three-cell Extensible Launching System (ExLS). This new system will primarily enable the launch of Common Anti-air Modular Missiles (CAMM), significantly enhancing the air defense capabilities of these stealthy warships.

Integration of CAMM Missiles

The Visby corvettes currently lack comprehensive air defense systems, and the addition of CAMM will fill a critical gap. Edward Dobeck, program director of Launching Systems at Lockheed Martin, expressed excitement about this enhancement. During an interview at the Navy League’s Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition, he noted, “So Sweden has a three-cell launcher that is being used primarily for the CAMM missile right now. That is providing them additional capabilities.”

This integration comes as Sweden strengthens its ties with NATO, focusing on modernizing its naval forces to meet evolving security challenges. The ExLS not only accommodates CAMM but also has the potential for future integration of additional anti-air and anti-surface munitions.

Details of the Launching System

The ExLS, developed in collaboration with European missile manufacturer MBDA, allows for the loading of CAMM missiles in a quad-packed configuration, meaning each three-cell launcher could potentially carry up to 36 missiles. The flexible design of the ExLS permits the launching of various missile types and other munitions, including decoys, offering Sweden’s naval fleet expanded operational versatility.

As a part of the acquisition, each Visby corvette will also receive a version of MBDA’s complete Sea Ceptor air defense system, which provides multi-directional defense capabilities against simultaneous attacks from diverse threats, including anti-ship missiles and drones.

Specifications and Future Capabilities

The CAMM missile, measuring approximately 10.5 feet in length with a six-and-a-half-inch diameter, features advanced guidance systems and boasts an operational range exceeding 15.5 miles. In addition to the standard CAMM, Lockheed Martin and MBDA are working on extended range variants, although the specifics regarding their compatibility with ExLS remain unclear.

Current Visby class corvettes are outfitted with separate launch systems for RBS 15 Mk 2 anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, along with other deployment capabilities, including depth charges and naval mines. The introduction of the ExLS is expected to significantly enhance their multi-role functionality.

Timeline for Implementation

Reports indicate that integration of the CAMM system onto the first Visby corvette is scheduled to begin later this year, with completion expected within approximately 12 months. However, it remains uncertain when all five Visby ships will receive these enhancements.

This advancement marks a significant step for Sweden as it continues to modernize its naval forces and align its military capabilities with NATO’s operational standards, reinforcing its readiness in a changing geopolitical landscape.

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