Poland’s decision to choose Saab’s A26 platform for its new submarines has been hailed as one of Sweden’s largest-ever naval export deals.
The Polish government announced last week it had selected Saab’s next-generation A26 Blekinge-class submarines for its Orka programme.
Three boats will be bought to replace its single Soviet-era Kilo-class submarine in a deal anticipated to be worth in the region of 10 billion Polish zloty — a little over £2 billion.
No contracts have been signed at this stage, with the Polish government now set to begin talks with Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) during the remainder of 2025.
Saab’s president and CEO Micael Johansson said of the deal: “We are honoured to have been selected and look forward to the coming negotiations with the Armaments Agency in Poland.
“The Swedish offer, featuring submarines tailored for the Baltic Sea, is the right choice for the Polish people. It will significantly enhance the operational capability of the Polish Navy and benefit the Polish economy.”
And at Poland’s Navy Day celebrations at the Naval Port in Świnoujście on Friday, its Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz commented: “The Polish government has decided to finalize the Orka programme and acquire ships for the Navy.
“The Orka programme is changing the Navy’s strategic position and Poland’s security. With this decision and the choice of our partner country, Sweden, we are building a new security architecture in the Baltic Sea.”
A press statement by the Swedish Government hailed the agreement as “one of Sweden’s largest naval export deals ever.”
Its Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson observed: “It is proof that the Swedish defence industry is strong. Saab has a world-leading submarine programme. Poland and Sweden have a deep common view on the challenges for European security.
“Together, Sweden and Poland will take greater responsibility for security in the Baltic Sea. We are now greatly deepening our political, defense and industrial cooperation.”
The 66-metre A26 Blekinge-class next-generation submarines being built by Saab Kockums for Sweden are diesel-electric submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP). They also feature multi-mission portals for both diver operations and deploying uncrewed underwater vehicles.
Construction delays have meant that although HSwMS Blekinge and HSwMS Skane were initially scheduled for delivery in 2022 and 2024, they are now expected to be handed over in 2031 and 2033, respectively.
- You can read more details on the Saab website, on the Swedish Government website, and on Poland’s Ministry of National Defence website