Poland has signed an agreement with Sweden for the purchase of three A26-class submarines for the Polish Navy. The contract was concluded in Gdynia on 29 June during Polish-Swedish intergovernmental consultations. The procurement is being carried out under the Orka programme, which aims to restore the Polish fleet’s ability to conduct submarine operations.
The signing of the contract was one of the key elements of the Polish-Swedish intergovernmental consultations. The meeting was attended by representatives of both governments, including officials from the ministries responsible for defence, foreign affairs, finance, infrastructure and culture.
The talks focused on cooperation in security, the defence industry and the protection of infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Poland and Sweden have declared their intention to expand cooperation under their renewed strategic partnership, signed in November 2024.
According to information provided by Saab, the order is worth approximately SEK 47 billion. The agreement covers the production and delivery of three vessels, an armament package, training and in-service support. Deliveries are to be carried out in stages and completed by 2038.
Three A26 submarines for the Polish Navy
The A26 submarines are being developed by Swedish defence company Saab for operations in waters such as the Baltic Sea. The vessels are intended to replace Poland’s currently operated ORP Orzeł, a Kilo-class submarine.
The Orka programme had been prepared for many years and included an assessment of offers from foreign manufacturers. The government selected Sweden’s proposal in November 2025, while the agreement signed in Gdynia completes the supplier-selection stage and moves the programme into the order implementation phase.
The Ministry of National Defence has indicated that a training package for Polish crews will be introduced alongside the delivery of the vessels. A transitional solution is also planned to enable sailors to begin training before the new submarines enter service.
Industrial cooperation with Polish companies
Documents concerning industrial cooperation were also signed during the consultations. Saab and the Polish Armaments Group are expected to cooperate, among other areas, in maintenance, repair and lifecycle support for the submarines.
The agreements also cover the inclusion of selected companies from Poland’s defence sector in the supply chain and the development of capabilities related to maritime technologies. The detailed scope of work transfers, the participation of domestic facilities and the timetable for individual parts of the project will determine the actual scale of Polish industry’s involvement in the programme.
