IRIA News

5 minute read

Poland has signed a $4.8 billion agreement with Swedish defense company Saab to acquire three advanced A26 submarines, marking one of the country’s largest naval modernization projects as it strengthens security in the Baltic Sea.

The contract, signed on June 29, 2026, in the Baltic port city of Gdynia, includes the production and delivery of three A26 submarines, a complete weapons package, and training and long-term support for the Polish Navy.

Deliveries of A26 submarines will take place over several years, with the final submarine scheduled to be delivered in 2038.

The signing ceremony was attended by the prime ministers and defense ministers of Poland and Sweden, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

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… pic.twitter.com/K87bbO3US8

— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) June 29, 2026

Major Boost for Poland’s Naval Capabilities

The acquisition is a key part of Poland’s broader effort to modernize its armed forces, particularly its navy, which has historically received less investment than the country’s land and air forces.

Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, described the submarines as fifth-generation platforms specifically designed for operations in the Baltic Sea.

“Poland is acquiring, under the deal that was signed a moment ago, three fifth-generation A26-type submarines. These are the most advanced submarines designed for operations in the Baltic Sea, capable of carrying out missions both for the Navy and for special operations forces,” he said.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the submarines will be equipped with the capability to deploy swarms of drones from underwater. “They will be able to deploy swarms of drones controlled from aboard the submarine and support the management and protection of the Baltic Sea’s security infrastructure and architecture,” he added.

The addition of drone deployment capabilities is expected to improve Poland’s ability to monitor critical maritime infrastructure, conduct intelligence missions, and respond to emerging security threats in the region.

Designed for Stealth Operations

According to Saab, the A26 submarine has been specifically developed to operate in the demanding conditions of the Baltic Sea.

The submarine is engineered to operate in near silence, making it difficult to detect during missions. Its stealth features allow it to conduct intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and special operations while remaining hidden beneath the surface.

Saab says the submarine also plays an important role in modern multi-domain military operations by combining underwater mobility with advanced intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

The vessels are expected to significantly improve Poland’s underwater warfare capabilities and strengthen NATO’s presence in the Baltic region.

Saab to Expand Industrial Cooperation in Poland

Beyond delivering the submarines, Saab has pledged to establish maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities inside Poland in cooperation with local industry.

The company said the initiative will allow Poland to maintain and service its submarine fleet domestically, reducing dependence on foreign facilities while strengthening the country’s long-term defense industry.

W Waszych oczach było dziś widać, jak długo czekaliście na ten moment.

Po blisko 30 latach oczekiwania rozpoczynacie przygotowania do służby na nowych okrętach podwodnych A26, które dziś zakupiliśmy. Przez te wszystkie lata nie przestaliście się szkolić, doskonalić swoich… pic.twitter.com/ClJSHNPk4K

— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) June 29, 2026

The industrial partnership is also expected to create opportunities for technology transfer and closer cooperation between Swedish and Polish defense companies.

Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson welcomed the agreement, saying it reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

“We are deeply honored that Poland has chosen Saab’s submarines to bolster its defense capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two nations. The three A26 submarines meet Poland’s current and future defense requirements and will play a pivotal role in enhancing security in the Baltic Sea region.”

Interim Submarine to Bridge Capability Gap

Alongside the new submarine purchase, Poland has reached a separate agreement with Sweden to operate the Swedish submarine HMS Sodermanland as an interim solution.

The vessel will serve as a “gap filler” while the new A26 submarines are being built, allowing Polish crews to train and maintain submarine operations before the arrival of the new fleet.

Officials said the interim submarine will help preserve operational readiness during the lengthy construction period.

Wider Military Modernization Drive

The submarine purchase is the latest in a series of defense acquisitions by Warsaw aimed at strengthening its military capabilities amid an increasingly challenging security environment in Europe.

In recent months, Poland has signed several contracts to modernize its naval forces and expand their operational capabilities.

Among those agreements is a deal to acquire V-BAT unmanned aerial systems from U.S. defense technology company Shield AI for naval operations, reflecting Poland’s increasing focus on integrating advanced autonomous technologies across its armed forces.

The A26 submarine program represents one of the country’s most significant investments in naval power in decades. It is expected to play a central role in safeguarding Poland’s coastline, protecting critical maritime infrastructure, and supporting NATO operations throughout the Baltic Sea for years to come.