Poland Secures Three A26 Blekinge-Class Submarines in $4.83 B Deal with Sweden's Saab

Poland signed a $4.83 billion (SEK 47 billion) defense contract with Swedish defense firm Saab for the construction of three A26 Blekinge-class submarines. The agreement was signed in Gdynia on 29 June 2024, in the presence of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and includes a weapon package, training, logistics and long-term support through at least 2038. Poland will also lease the Swedish submarine HMS Södermanland until 2032 to maintain operational readiness.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 SubmarinesReuters

The purchase forms the centerpiece of Poland’s Orka program, which aims to replace the aging Soviet-era Kilo-class submarine ORP Orzel. The A26 platform is tailored for Baltic Sea operations, offering air-independent propulsion (AIP) that enables 15–20 days of submerged endurance. The deal follows Poland’s broader effort to strengthen its defence posture on NATO’s eastern flank.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

• Donald Tusk – Polish Prime Minister, contract co-signatory.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

• Ulf Kristersson – Swedish Prime Minister, co-signatory and Baltic Sea Pact proponent.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

• Saab AB – Swedish aerospace and defence firm, submarine builder.

Reuters

• Swedish Government – Issued statements on the agreement’s strategic significance.

Reuters

• Polish Navy – Future operator of the three submarines.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

29 June 2024 – Contract signed in Gdynia. August 2024 – Polish crews start 18-month training in Karlskrona, Sweden. 2024-2032 – Lease of HMS Södermanland. 2031 & 2033 – First two A26 subs delivered to Sweden (production reference). 2038 – Poland receives its third A26 and support package completes.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

Contract: $4.83 billion (SEK 47 billion). Submarines: three A26 Blekinge-class units. AIP endurance: 15–20 days submerged. Training: 18 months. Support through 2038.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

The acquisition enhances Poland’s stealth and surveillance capabilities in the Baltic Sea, contributing to NATO’s collective defence. It also marks Saab’s largest order to date, reinforcing Sweden’s role as a key European defence supplier and deepening security-industrial cooperation between the two NATO allies.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

Swedish officials said the deal “strengthens Poland’s naval capabilities” and “deepens security and industrial policy cooperation.” Saab noted the contract “includes a weapon package and a training and support package with final deliveries scheduled for 2038.”

Reuters

• “Sweden and Poland have successfully concluded negotiations on Poland's acquisition of three A26 submarines from Saab.” — Swedish Government

ReutersPoland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines

• “The agreement is a significant step in strengthening Poland's naval capabilities and at the same time contributes to Sweden and Poland deepening their security and industrial policy cooperation.” — Swedish Government

Reuters

Polish crews will commence an 18-month training program in Sweden in August 2024, while the leased HMS Södermanland remains in service until 2032. Subsequent submarine deliveries are slated for the mid-2030s, with full operational capability expected by 2038.

Poland Signs $4.83 Billion Saab Deal for Three A26 Submarines