The largest indoor test facility ever before dedicated to the development of unmanned underwater vehicles has been opened by Saab Seaeye.

Located in Linköping, Sweden, the test tank will allow new underwater systems technology to be trialled and tested in a controlled environment rather than in a lake or at sea.

The tank is 6 metres deep, 10 metres in diameter and holds approximately 470 cubic metres of water.

“Saab’s underwater operations are currently in a very expansive phase,” explained Görgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Business Area Dynamics.

“By investing in ultra-modern facilities such as this, we increase our ability to offer underwater systems and solutions for both military and civil applications,” he added.

The company sees the new facility bringing significant savings in time and costs, whilst offering a unique opportunity to develop and trial underwater systems that will future strengthen its product portfolio.

Saab has a world leading position in the field of unmanned underwater vehicles and is the world's largest manufacturer of electric remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs).

Typical applications are offshore energy, mine reconnaissance and location of accident victims. With Saab's underwater technologies, these jobs can be performed reliably and cost-effectively.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy (UK) visited Saab Seaeye to view the company's range of underwater vehicle technology designed for maritime defence.

A delegation led by Commodore Alex Burton, Head of Maritime Capability, toured the facilities at Fareham, which have recently doubled in size since the opening of a second factory building.

The Navy said they are looking for innovative mine disposal systems beyond those currently in service.

They are particularly interested in the potential offered by unmanned systems coming from Saab Seaeye's new range of hybrid underwater vehicles.

In another major development, Saab Seaeye has expanded its international presence by opening an office in Houston, Texas.

The company is already the world's largest manufacturer of electric remotely operated underwater vehicles with distributors in 26 countries and over 700 systems sold worldwide.

“The move places us in an ideal position to support sales and service in the region,” said Saab Seaeye Director, Matt Bates.

“America, and the Gulf of Mexico in particular, is an important market and Houston is the ideal base,” he added while predicting the office will grow to offer technical support, spares and service support.