Poland has officially initiated a project to bolster its national defense by ordering three submarines from Sweden. As a NATO member state, Poland is currently engaged in an extensive modernization of its naval capabilities in response to ongoing security challenges and Russian aggression near its borders.
On Monday, representatives from Poland and Sweden gathered in the Baltic seaport of Gdynia to sign an arms deal valued at €4.2 billion ($4.8 billion). The agreement, finalized by Poland’s State Treasury Armaments Agency, authorizes the purchase of three advanced vessels from the Swedish aerospace and defense company, Saab.
According to a press statement released by Saab, the delivery schedule for the submarines is set to begin in 2030, with the final vessel expected to be delivered in 2038. The contract was awarded to Saab following a competitive bidding process that included proposals from manufacturers based in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and South Korea.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk formally announced the agreement on X, sharing a photograph of himself with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during the signing ceremony. Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Kristersson stated that a robust Polish submarine force enhances security across the Baltic Sea and within NATO, noting that sharing advanced capabilities makes their region safer.
The deal includes the acquisition of three A26, or Blekinge-class submarines, alongside comprehensive packages for training, maintenance, and weaponry. Saab has also committed to establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities within Poland. These facilities will operate in partnership with local Polish firms to help bolster the country’s defense autonomy.
Saab describes the A26-class diesel-electric submarines as highly advanced vessels capable of remaining submerged for days at a time. Designed specifically for the operational demands of the Baltic Sea, these subs emphasize stealth through superior intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, allowing them to remain undetected. Saab CEO Micael Johansson noted that the procurement reinforces the strategic bond between the two NATO partners.
To manage the transition, as Poland currently relies on a single aging Russian-built vessel, the Polish navy will be granted access to the Swedish submarine HMS Södermanland to bridge the gap until the new fleet begins arriving in 2030. This procurement comes as several European NATO nations accelerate efforts to strengthen their military defenses in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and shifting perspectives regarding security commitments in the region.
