[citation needed] The initial design was a version of the earlier Spica-class torpedo boat with some minor changes.

The power train was identical to the preceding class and comprised three Bristol Proteus gas turbine engines driving three propellers.

The boats were originally set to be operated until 2010 but they were taken out of service early due to financial reasons with HSwMS Ystad decommissioning in 2005.

A version of this design was built for the Royal Malaysian Navy by Karlskrona dockyard as the Handalan class.

These ships had an all diesel power plant, with a revised superstructure design, different electronics and Exocet missiles.