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Poland has announced that it has chosen Sweden’s Saab to supply three new submarines in a multibillion-dollar agreement that forms a central part of Warsaw’s efforts to strengthen its defense posture in the Baltic Sea.

Under the plan, Saab will provide Poland with its A26 fifth-generation submarines, a new platform designed for shallow and confined waters such as the Baltic Sea.

The decision marks one of the largest procurements to date under Poland’s expanding “Orka” modernization program, launched to counter what Warsaw views as a growing threat from Russia following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Sweden’s offer was the strongest overall among competing proposals submitted by Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and South Korea, with Britain backing the Swedish bid.

“Sweden presented the best offer in terms of all criteria, delivery time, and operational capability, especially in the Baltic Sea,” he told reporters at a press conference. He estimated the contract’s value to be approximately $2.73 billion.

A26 Submarines

The A26 features modular construction, a low acoustic signature, and air-independent propulsion (AIP) based on Stirling engine technology, allowing the vessel to operate submerged for extended periods without surfacing.

The design incorporates advanced stealth shaping, flexible mission modules, and capabilities for intelligence gathering, special operations deployment, and anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare.

The A26 is built around a pressure hull optimized for silent movement, with extensive vibration-dampening systems and a reduced magnetic signature. The class typically displaces around 2,000 tons, with a length of roughly 65 meters and a range exceeding 6,500 nautical miles.

It is equipped with heavyweight torpedoes, mines, and the capacity to launch unmanned underwater vehicles. Saab has marketed the A26 as one of the most modern non-nuclear submarines in the world, tailored specifically to the operational conditions of the Baltic Sea.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said Sweden had also pledged to provide a “gap-filler” submarine that the Polish Navy can use for training before the new A26 units are delivered. He added that he would like the commercial deal concluded no later than the second quarter of 2026, with the first submarine expected to arrive in 2030.

As part of a wider cooperation package, Sweden committed to purchasing some armaments from Poland and expanding industrial collaboration. Saab and Polish defense group PGZ signed a memorandum of understanding in September aimed at deepening defense cooperation and enabling knowledge transfer.

Industrial Partnership

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed Poland’s selection of the Swedish bid, calling it a demonstration of the strength of Sweden’s defense sector.

“This shows the strength not only of the cooperation between our countries, but also of Sweden as a defense-industry nation,” he said in a statement posted on X.

Poland has chosen Sweden as partner for its submarine program.

This shows the strength not only of the cooperation between our countries, but also of Sweden as a defense-industry nation. It is confirmation that the Swedish defense industry stands strong. Saab has a… pic.twitter.com/WhSFlQru7n

— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) November 26, 2025

Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson also praised the decision, saying the A26 offered Poland a platform designed specifically for Baltic Sea conditions.

“We are honored 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,” he said. Saab shares rose 3.2% by 1453 GMT following news of the selection.

Broader Defense Context

The submarine acquisition is part of a wider push by Warsaw to dramatically increase defense spending, expand its naval and land capabilities, and build closer industrial ties with European defense suppliers.

Poland has become one of the largest military spenders in NATO relative to GDP and has entered multiple high-value contracts across artillery systems, air defense, tanks, and aircraft.

By replacing its ageing Kilo-class submarine with an advanced, long-endurance and low-detectability platform, Warsaw aims to improve its deterrence posture and ensure sustained operational presence in the Baltic Sea, an area where NATO and Russia frequently test maritime boundaries.

Sweden’s selection also reinforces the growing defense links between Stockholm and Warsaw at a time when Sweden is integrating more closely into NATO structures.

The final contract is expected to be negotiated over the coming months, with delivery and cooperation frameworks forming the next phase of the Orka program.