Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed the purchase agreement during intergovernmental consultations. The contract value is estimated at 50 billion Swedish kronor. Kristersson described the transaction as a “historic milestone” for both nations, noting that the long-term deal will significantly enhance the Polish Navy’s operational readiness. Delegations from both countries, including ministers responsible for foreign affairs, finance, infrastructure, and culture, were present at the signing ceremony.
The acquisition forms the centerpiece of Poland’s “Orka” programme, a strategic initiative launched to modernize the country’s maritime defense infrastructure. Last year, Poland selected Sweden as the preferred supplier for the project. The A26 Blekinge-class submarines are currently in development by Saab and have not yet entered active service. Once delivered, the three vessels will replace Poland’s existing single submarine, a Soviet-era vessel that is more than 40 years old and has required constant repair due to its age.
“Today, we just signed the definitive contract for three Swedish A26 submarines for Poland. This is a historic milestone for both Poland and Sweden. It is a very large and long-term deal. It is worth approximately 50 billion Swedish kronor, and will help make the Polish Navy one of the strongest in the region,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated.
The purchase addresses a critical gap in Poland’s naval defense posture. For decades, the Polish Navy’s underwater capability has been limited to a single vessel, creating a vulnerability in the Baltic Sea region. The introduction of the A26 class, a modern air-independent propulsion submarine, will provide Poland with a significant qualitative leap in underwater warfare capabilities. The new vessels are designed to operate in the specific conditions of the Baltic Sea, offering enhanced stealth and endurance compared to older generations of submarines.
The signing of the contract underscores the growing defense integration between Poland and Sweden, two NATO members that share a common interest in securing the Baltic Sea. The deal is part of a broader trend of European countries investing in indigenous naval capabilities to reduce reliance on non-European suppliers. The financial commitment of €4.5 billion reflects the high cost of modern underwater warfare platforms, which require extensive life-cycle support and specialized infrastructure for maintenance and operation.
While the contract has been signed, the delivery of the submarines is expected to be a multi-year process. Saab is currently developing the A26 class, and the first vessels are not yet in service. Poland will likely need to upgrade its port facilities in Gdynia and other locations to accommodate the new class of submarines. The deal also implies a long-term partnership in maintenance, training, and potential spare parts supply, further tethering the two countries’ defense industries together.
The immediate next steps will involve the detailed implementation of the contract terms, including the timeline for construction and delivery. Both governments have indicated that the project will be closely monitored to ensure that the capabilities promised in the contract are met. This acquisition is expected to serve as a cornerstone for Poland’s naval strategy in the coming decades, providing a durable and modern asset for regional security.
