$18 billion for three submarines.

The Polish government has officially signed a landmark agreement to acquire three advanced A26-class submarines from the Swedish defense company Saab Kockums AG, marking a significant step in modernizing the Polish Navy. The deal, valued at approximately 18 billion zloty (around €4.5 billion), represents one of the largest military procurement contracts in recent Polish history. The agreement was finalized during high-level bilateral negotiations held in Gdynia, where Prime Ministers Donald Tusk of Poland and Ulf Kristersson of Sweden met with senior officials from both nations. The signing ceremony underscored the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in the realm of maritime security and defense cooperation.

Under the terms of the contract, Poland will receive three A26 submarines, which are designed for operations in the Baltic Sea. These vessels are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced sonar systems, torpedo launch tubes, and modern command and control systems tailored to the unique hydrological conditions of the region. The delivery schedule outlines that the first submarine will arrive in 2031, followed by the second in 2032, with the third expected by 2033. The entire process of commissioning and operational readiness is projected to conclude by 2038, ensuring that the Polish Navy regains full capability in underwater warfare after decades of reliance on aging Soviet-era equipment.

A critical component of the agreement involves the transfer of technological expertise and industrial collaboration between Poland and Sweden. The Polish Ministry of National Defense has emphasized that the deal includes provisions for substantial investment in domestic shipbuilding capabilities. As part of the arrangement, the Polish state-owned defense enterprise PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ) will collaborate with Saab Kockums to establish a joint venture focused on submarine maintenance, repairs, and future upgrades. This initiative is expected to create new jobs and boost the competitiveness of the Polish defense sector within Europe. Additionally, the agreement includes plans for the development of underwater drones and torpedoes, further strengthening Poland's naval capabilities.

The decision to select Sweden as the preferred supplier for the Orka program was based on several factors, including the technical superiority of the A26 class, the reliability of Saab’s manufacturing processes, and the potential for long-term industrial partnerships. The Polish government had previously expressed concerns about the feasibility of alternative options, such as German or French models, due to delays in their development timelines and compatibility issues with existing infrastructure. The selection of the A26 model also aligns with broader NATO interoperability goals, ensuring that the Polish Navy can seamlessly integrate with allied forces in the Baltic region.

In addition to the main submarine procurement, Poland has also entered into a separate agreement involving the leasing of an older A17 submarine for six years, with total payments estimated at around 800 million zloty. This interim solution ensures continuous operational capacity while the new A26 submarines are commissioned. The lease allows the Polish Navy to maintain a presence in the Baltic Sea and provides valuable training opportunities for personnel before transitioning fully to the new fleet.

The implications of this deal extend beyond military modernization. Both governments have highlighted the importance of enhancing economic ties and fostering innovation through shared research and development projects. The collaboration is seen as a catalyst for boosting Poland’s position in the European defense market, especially as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on external suppliers and build a more self-reliant defense industry. Furthermore, the agreement reinforces Poland’s commitment to collective security in the Baltic region, contributing to regional stability and deterring potential threats from neighboring states.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the submarine program will require close coordination between Polish and Swedish authorities, as well as ongoing investments in training and infrastructure. The establishment of the joint venture between PGZ and Saab is expected to take time, with initial phases focusing on knowledge transfer and workforce development. Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding additional defense-related collaborations, including the potential acquisition of a rescue submarine by Sweden, which could be produced by the Polish shipyard. As the project progresses, it will serve as a testament to the evolving relationship between Poland and Sweden, solidifying their roles as key players in the security architecture of Northern Europe.