Sweden First NATO Customer for Rheinmetall’s SeaSnake 30 Naval Weapon System
Sweden’s defence procurement agency has ordered eight Rheinmetall SeaSnake 30 naval weapon systems for the Swedish Navy, marking the first acquisition of this remote-controlled 30 mm close-in weapon system by a NATO member.
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall AG to procure eight SeaSnake 30 naval weapon systems for the Swedish Navy, making it the first NATO operator of the system. The initial contract, valued around €63 million, was placed in February 2026 and includes delivery of the first unit in February 2028, plus airburst and 30 mm training ammunition, spare parts and services. There is an option to procure up to 29 additional systems under the agreement.
The SeaSnake 30 is a remote-controlled light naval gun designed for close-in ship self-defence. It combines electro-optical sensors, infrared cameras and a laser rangefinder with automatic target detection and tracking. The system’s 30 mm revolver cannon has a nominal rate of fire of up to 1 100 rounds per minute and can employ programmable airburst ammunition, enhancing its effectiveness against aerial threats such as drones.
Under the Swedish contract, the systems will be fitted as the primary armament for the Navy’s Combat Boat 90 fast military assault craft, replacing or augmenting existing small-calibre weapons to improve close-range defence. FMV’s decision to adopt SeaSnake underscores Sweden’s focus on bolstering maritime self-defence capabilities within NATO frameworks and standardising on modern naval weapon technologies.
