WARSAW, Poland — The Polish Ministry of National Defence has announced its choice for the nation’s next class of submarines, selecting the A26 Blekinge model from Sweden’s Saab.
The selection process was competitive, involving proposals from six countries across Europe and Asia. Poland’s strategic plan includes the acquisition of three submarines to enhance its naval capabilities, aiming to finalize a contract by the year’s end.
“This marks a significant milestone for Poland’s national security and for our naval forces. We are delivering on our commitment with the acquisition of these three submarines as part of the Orka program,” stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, during a press conference on November 26.
He further commented on the broader regional implications, noting, “This decision contributes to a new security framework within the Baltic Sea region.”
Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed his intention to sign a formal agreement with Sweden in the forthcoming weeks.
In recent months, Polish delegations have visited several European countries, including Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as South Korea, to evaluate various submarine offerings. A crucial aspect of the decision-making process was each contender’s willingness to collaborate with Polish defense industries.
The newly chosen submarines will play a vital role in bolstering Poland’s deterrence strategies in the Baltic Sea, particularly in light of increased naval modernization following the conflict in neighboring Ukraine. The Polish government plans to equip these submarines with cruise missiles.
The Deputy Prime Minister outlined a timeline for the submarines, aiming for delivery of the first submarine by 2030.
Prior to the deployment of the three A26s, the Polish Navy plans to acquire an interim submarine to facilitate training for its sailors, with scheduled availability by 2027.
The decision to partner with a European Union country aligns with Poland’s financing strategy, which includes utilizing loans from the EU’s SAFE program, providing Warsaw with €43.7 billion ($50.7 billion) for military acquisitions.
A defense analyst from a Polish think tank highlighted that while the initial budget for the submarines was estimated at around PLN 10 billion ($2.7 billion), the actual costs are expected to exceed this amount. The extent of involvement by the Polish defense industry remains to be clarified.
“Given the delays in delivering A26s to Sweden, the timeline for their delivery to Poland by 2030 is uncertain,” noted the analyst.
Saab advertises the A26 Blekinge as a highly advanced, stealthy submarine, boasting minimal acoustic and magnetic signatures. This technology, combined with Saab’s expertise in stealth technology in the Baltic Sea, positions the A26 among the most elusive submarines globally.
The urgency of this acquisition is underscored by the current state of the Polish Navy, which primarily relies on an outdated Soviet-era Kilo-class submarine, the ORP Orzel.
As part of the agreement, Saab is expected to collaborate with PGZ Naval Shipyard, a subsidiary of Poland’s leading state-owned defense group.
“We are eager to begin negotiations with Poland’s Armaments Agency. Our submarines, specifically designed for the Baltic Sea, represent an optimal choice for Poland, promising significant enhancements to the capabilities of the Polish Navy while also benefiting the national economy,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
With this announcement, Poland will join Sweden as the second country to commission the A26 Blekinge for its naval operations.
In a related announcement from October 2025, Saab disclosed an order from Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the final phase of manufacturing, along with additional materials and services for two Blekinge-class submarines previously ordered by Sweden. This contract, valued at approximately SEK 9.6 billion ($1 billion), schedules most deliveries between 2026 and 2032, according to the company.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
