The Ehrensköld class moves Sweden toward larger destroyers

Sweden kept naval projects moving after the First World War, and the Ehrensköld class was the next step. At roughly 990 tons standard, the ships were a substantial increase over destroyers below 600 tons. Three single 120 mm Bofors guns provided heavier gunfire, although their arcs of fire were restricted. Six torpedo tubes in two triple 533 mm mountings, two 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, 36-knot speed, and a range of 1,600 nautical miles at 16 knots suited rapid movement along the Swedish coast. Bofors 25 mm additions were followed by conversion into anti-submarine frigates in the 1950s. Two 4.7-inch guns and the torpedo tubes were removed to make room for additional anti-aircraft weapons, anti-submarine systems, and sensors. The ships remained in commission until 1963, extending their usefulness as the threats changed.