Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have signed an agreement to begin the first Product Definition Phase for the new Viking-class diesel submarine. This project began in 1994 as a plan for the three nations (and possibly Finland as well) to buy a common diesel submarine design. This would save each country about 20 percent of the cost of developing its own sub, and would reduce training costs (as a single training center could be used) and operations costs (as spare parts would be bought in larger numbers). If this phase is successful by the end of next year, a second Product Definition Phase would begin. The first of the new subs would be delivered to Denmark in 2009. The subs for each nation will be slightly different. The Norwegian subs will be longer, with extra engines and fuel to provide greater range as Norwegian subs must patrol larger areas.--Stephen V Cole