Sweden’s defense procurement agency has awarded a contract to Finnish boat manufacturer Marine Alutech for 20 new watercraft to equip its amphibious battalions, replacing vessels that were previously transferred to Ukraine.
The 130-million Swedish krona ($14 million) deal introduces the Watercat M9 variant as a replacement for the aging Watercat M8, ensuring continued operational readiness.
Deliveries will continue through 2028, beginning with a pre-production unit, followed by the full batch of boats.
Designed to move troops and equipment within and between operational and base zones, the M9 features improvements over its predecessor, accommodating eight personnel plus two crew or smaller cargo loads.
Its shallow 40-centimeter (15.7-inch) draft allows navigation in waters less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep, including rivers and beaches, while a diesel-powered water jet provides a top speed of over 30 knots (34.5 mph/55.5 km/h) fully loaded.
