This type of sub is VERY SPECIFIC to the mission the Swedes must face - Russian infiltration of their fjiords (sp?) and harbors. During the Cold War, they were constantly infiltrated and there’s still some Russian operations being conducted in Swede waters.
This ship is NOWHERE near as capable as one of our subs, when you consider time, distance, speed, weapons, etc. It isn’t a long range patrol sub, so it has its own limitations.
Because it’s so stealthy, it’s contracted to the US Navy specifically seek out gaps and help train US subs and ASW platforms.
It doesn’t mean we’re weak, but this sub is QUIET.
Everyone should keep in mind several things
1) This is a new class of submarine using a new type of propulsion system. It is not detectable via our sonar. That doesn’t mean our men and women in uniform are suddenly slacking off on their jobs. It’s a technology issue, the adversary has evolved and so must our counter measures.
2) In 2004 The US Navy leased one of these subs and it’s crew from Sweden for 2 years so they could war game against it,study it and develop effective counter measures. They gave it back to Sweden in 2007.
3) When the source story mentions the success this sub has had against our navy, it was during the 2004-2007 time frame that we had it leased from Sweden. This isn’t something that happened last week.
I’m pretty sure we SHIPPED this sub to our waters for war games, on a sort of lease deal. The point being that I don’t think it has serious globe-spanning Blue Water capability.
It doesn’t mean it isn’t a potent, useful weapon. But there are significant limitations to what it can do.