Sweden Hires Four Saildrone Sea Drones Under a Nordic Framework Its Neighbors Can Join
Sweden's FMV signed a NORDEFCO framework with Saildrone for four Voyager surveillance drones in the Baltic. The Navy buys the data, Saildrone runs the boats, and other Nordic states can sign on.
The Swedish Navy pays for Baltic surveillance data while the US company runs the boats.
Sweden has signed a framework agreement with Saildrone for four uncrewed Voyager surveillance vessels in the Baltic Sea, its Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) announced Oct. 22. FMV signed for the Swedish Armed Forces under NORDEFCO, the Nordic defense cooperation. The service has run since October 2026, FMV said. Saildrone put the deal at 1,440 contracted vehicle-days on Oct. 26. Neither side disclosed a value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sweden sign with Saildrone?
A framework agreement for four uncrewed Voyager sailing drones that provide maritime surveillance in the Baltic Sea, signed by FMV for the Swedish Armed Forces under NORDEFCO, FMV announced on Oct. 22.
Who runs the drones?
Saildrone's own staff steer and monitor them, the Swedish Armed Forces say. FMV says Sweden buys the data rather than the equipment, and the Navy receives it around the clock.
How long does the service run?
Saildrone says each of the four Voyagers operates for 360 days, a total of 1,440 contracted vehicle-days. The agreement allows more drones to be added, per FMV.
Can other countries use the same agreement?
FMV says the NORDEFCO framework lets other Nordic nations sign their own agreements based on their needs, and it drafted an Implementing Arrangement to make that easier.
How much is the contract worth?
Neither FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces nor Saildrone disclosed a value.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.