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Visby Class Corvettes Modernization Includes ExLS Vertical Launchers and Integration with Sea Ceptor System, Enhancing the Deterrent Capability of the Swedish Navy Fleet with Cutting-Edge Technology.
Lockheed Martin officially announced that the Visby class corvettes, belonging to the Swedish Navy, will be equipped with ExLS (Extensible Launching System) vertical launchers.
This strategic upgrade will allow the launch of CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Missile) air defense missiles and will mark the first time these vessels will have full air defense capability.
The initiative aligns the Swedish fleet with NATO standards, strengthening its interoperability and offensive potential following the country’s recent accession to the military alliance.
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Air Defense with Cutting-Edge Technology
Each ExLS launcher will have three cells, with each capable of holding up to four CAMM missiles — totaling up to 36 missiles per ship.
The CAMMs have a range of 25 km, active radar guidance, and are based on ASRAAM air-to-air missile technologies, but adapted for naval defense.
The expectation is that the system will progressively expand to include longer-range variants, such as CAMM-ER and CAMM-MR, which can reach up to 100 km.
In addition, the Visby corvettes will be integrated into the Sea Ceptor system, developed by MBDA. This complete air defense solution provides 360-degree coverage against modern threats, such as supersonic anti-ship missiles, helicopters, and drones.
Modularity for the Future
According to Edward Dobeck, Director of the Launch Systems Program at Lockheed Martin, the introduction of ExLS represents “an essential strategic solution” for Swedish interests and for operational standardization with NATO.
The modularity of ExLS also allows for future integration of other armaments beyond CAMM, including RIM-116 RAM Block 2 missiles, AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire, and AGM-179 JAGM — all compatible with the quad-packable configuration.
The system will also be able to launch electronic decoys such as the Nulka, which simulates the signature of large ships to confuse enemy radar.
Visby: An Evolving Stealth Corvette
Currently, the Visby class corvettes are equipped with RBS-15 Mk2 anti-ship missiles, 400 mm torpedoes, depth charges, naval mines, and a stealthy 57 mm Bofors gun in a turret.
The introduction of the ExLS system represents a qualitative leap, transforming the ships into multifunctional platforms with greater lethality and self-defense capabilities.
The installation of the ExLS and Sea Ceptor on the first Visby corvette is expected to begin in 2025 and will take about a year.
Although there is no official schedule for the modernization of the five units of the class, the adoption of the system indicates a potential expansion of the fleet’s capabilities in the medium to long term.
Strategic Alignment with NATO
With the implementation of ExLS vertical launchers and integration with the Sea Ceptor system, the Swedish Navy is approaching the operational standards of NATO naval forces.
The choice of a modular and interoperable solution ensures that the Visby class corvettes are prepared to face the challenges of the current geopolitical landscape, with greater flexibility and responsiveness.
This modernization represents not only a technical advance but also a consolidation of Sweden’s strategic position in Northern Europe, strengthening its coastal defense and presence in the Baltic Sea.
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