Poland has signed an agreement with Sweden to acquire three A26 submarines for the Polish Navy, marking a major step in the long-running Orka programme. The contract was concluded on 29 June in Gdynia during Polish-Swedish intergovernmental consultations.
The programme is intended to restore Poland’s ability to conduct modern submarine operations, particularly in the strategically important Baltic Sea region. The new vessels are expected to replace ORP Orzeł, Poland’s remaining Kilo-class submarine.
The agreement was signed as part of broader talks between the Polish and Swedish governments. Representatives of both countries, including officials responsible for defence, foreign affairs, finance, infrastructure and culture, took part in the consultations.
Security, defence-industry cooperation and the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea were among the key subjects discussed. Poland and Sweden also confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation under the renewed strategic partnership signed in November 2024.
Contract valued at around SEK 47 billion
According to Saab, the order is worth approximately SEK 47 billion. The agreement covers the design, production and delivery of three A26 submarines, together with an armament package, crew training and long-term operational support.
Deliveries are expected to take place in stages, with the full programme scheduled for completion by 2038.
The A26 platform has been developed by Saab for operations in demanding and confined maritime environments, including shallow waters such as the Baltic Sea. The design is intended to provide advanced underwater endurance, surveillance capabilities and flexibility for a range of naval missions.
Poland had been analysing foreign offers for the Orka programme for several years. The government selected Sweden’s proposal in November 2025, while the agreement signed in Gdynia formally begins the implementation phase.
Training planned before submarines enter service
The Ministry of National Defence has indicated that the contract will include a comprehensive training package for Polish crews. A transitional solution is also expected to be used before the new submarines are delivered, allowing Polish sailors to begin preparing for service on the A26 platform in advance.
The details of this interim arrangement have not yet been fully disclosed. Its purpose will be to preserve and develop submarine-operating skills during the period before the new vessels enter active service.
Industrial cooperation with Polish defence companies
Alongside the submarine contract, documents concerning industrial cooperation were also signed. Saab and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa are expected to work together in areas including maintenance, repairs and lifecycle support for the future Polish submarine fleet.
The agreements also envisage the involvement of selected Polish defence-sector companies in the supply chain and the development of domestic expertise in maritime technologies.
The eventual scale of Poland’s industrial participation will depend on the detailed implementation arrangements, including the distribution of work, the role of domestic shipyards and defence firms, and the timetable for individual elements of the programme.
For Poland, the A26 agreement represents one of the largest naval procurement decisions in recent years and a significant investment in the country’s ability to operate and deter threats in the Baltic Sea.
