Stockholm-class

The Stockholm class originated from the Ytattack-81 study, which sought to develop a surface combatant with greater endurance than the preceding Spica and Spica II classes. The design was adapted for anti-submarine warfare following submarine incursions into Swedish territorial waters in the early 1980s. HSwMS Stockholm and HSwMS Malmö were launched in 1984 and 1985, and both entered service in 1986.

The ships utilize a Combined Diesel and Gas propulsion system. Between 1999 and 2000, the class underwent modernization to update combat control, fire control, and navigation systems. These modifications included changes to the mast, hull, and superstructure intended to reduce the radar cross-section. Following a 2015 overhaul, the ships were redesignated as patrol boats. This transition included a reduction in crew complement to facilitate a two-crew rotation system, though the vessels retain the capacity to carry anti-ship missiles.

The class is assigned to the 3rd Naval Warfare Flotilla at the Karlskrona naval base. In 2009, both vessels joined an EU-led task force for anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. During this deployment, HSwMS Malmö interceded in an attack on a merchant vessel, firing warning shots and apprehending seven pirates. Both units of the class remain in active service.