Marine Alutech has finalised an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the re-acquisition of 20 group boats intended for use by amphibious battalions.

The vessels will be based on the Watercat M9 design, as per the contract signed on 18 September 2025.

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These new boats are set to replace the older M8 group boats that Sweden previously donated to Ukraine.

Marine Alutech’s Watercat M9 vessels will facilitate transportation to and between operational and base areas.

Each Watercat M9 boat is designed to accommodate eight personnel and two crew members, with options available for carrying smaller cargo loads.

Specifically engineered for river and coastal operations, the vessel allows fast handling during operations, including loading and unloading procedures.

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The Watercat M9 can navigate in very shallow waters, making it suitable for disaster response scenarios, according to Marine Alutech.

It features a low draft of approximately 40cm at high speeds, allowing it to operate along shallow beaches or land directly on them.

Constructed from welded aluminium, the boat is powered by a diesel engine driving a water jet, enabling speeds exceeding 30 knots when fully loaded.

The initial commitment under this agreement is valued at around Skr130m ($13m), covering the procurement of all 20 group boats.

The first vessel will be delivered as a pre-series model, with subsequent deliveries scheduled to continue until final completion in 2028.

FMV marine operations area project manager Agnes Moberg said: “It is mainly about the fact that we have taken measures to improve maritime safety and made adjustments to the needs of the new amphibious battalions.”

In 2023, Marine AluTech was contracted to deliver the Jurmo-class landing craft to the Finnish Navy.

Finland Government had authorised the procurement of 17 Jurmo-class landing craft along with spare parts.

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