Poland Fortifies Baltic Defense with Landmark Swedish Submarine Deal

GDYNIA, Poland – In a significant move to modernize its naval forces and bolster security in the strategically vital Baltic Sea, Poland has finalized a monumental contract with Sweden's Saab for the acquisition of three advanced A26 Blekinge-class submarines. The deal, valued at approximately $4.8 billion (€4.5 billion), represents a critical upgrade for the Polish Navy, which has long relied on aging Soviet-era vessels, and signals a deepened commitment to regional deterrence amidst evolving geopolitical realities.

This procurement, a cornerstone of Poland's long-running "Orka" (Orca) program, aims to replace the nation's sole operational, obsolete submarine, the ORP Orzeł, commissioned in 1985. The agreement, signed on June 29, 2026, in Gdynia by high-ranking officials including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, underscores a strategic partnership designed to project power and enhance intelligence capabilities in a challenging maritime environment.

A New Era for Poland's Submarine Fleet

The A26 Blekinge-class submarines are touted as fifth-generation vessels, specifically engineered to excel in the shallow, acoustically complex waters of the Baltic Sea. Their design emphasizes stealth and endurance, featuring a Stirling-cycle air-independent propulsion system that allows for prolonged submerged missions—potentially exceeding 18 days—without surfacing or snorkeling. This capability is crucial for covert operations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Beyond their stealth, the A26 submarines will significantly augment Poland's strike capabilities. They are equipped with long-range precision strike torpedoes and possess the potential to carry submarine-launched missiles, enabling engagement of both naval and land targets. Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted that these new assets would also be capable of deploying drone swarms, enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure and coastlines. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2031, with the final submarine expected to join the fleet by 2038.

Bridging the Capabilities Gap

Recognizing the urgent need to maintain underwater warfare expertise during the lengthy construction period, Sweden has agreed to provide a stop-gap solution. Poland will lease a modernized A-17 type vessel, the HMS Södermanland, to train its sailors. Training for Polish crews is set to begin in August, ensuring a continuous build-up of essential skills ahead of the A26 fleet's arrival. This interim arrangement, along with comprehensive training and support packages included in the main contract, aims to ensure a seamless transition and operational readiness.

The Orka program has been a long-standing priority for the Polish Navy, stalled for over a decade, with the nation's only operational submarine increasingly unreliable. The selection of Saab's A26 over bids from other European and Asian contenders, including Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, and France's Naval Group, was announced in November and culminated in the definitive contract signing seven months later.

Economic and Strategic Ripples

The deal extends beyond military hardware, fostering significant industrial cooperation and economic benefits. Saab has committed to investing up to €100 million ($114 million) in Poland, with hundreds of Polish companies expected to become subcontractors. This collaboration will include establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities within Poland, promoting strategic autonomy and creating an estimated 7,000 jobs in Poland, alongside a substantial number in Sweden.

This submarine acquisition is part of a broader, aggressive defense investment strategy by Poland. The nation's defense spending has rapidly increased, reaching 4.3% of its GDP in 2025 and projected to hit 4.8% in 2026, marking the highest percentage among NATO members. This robust investment reflects Poland's acute awareness of security threats, particularly from Russia, and its determination to strengthen its position as a key defense hub on NATO's eastern flank.

Bolstering Baltic Sea Security

The introduction of these advanced submarines is poised to fundamentally reshape the balance of power in the Baltic Sea. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored the significance of the deal, stating it would make the Polish Navy "one of the strongest in all of NATO" and enhance security across the alliance in the shared Baltic Sea. The A26's capabilities for silent, undetected movement and its potential for long-range precision strikes provide a credible deterrent, crucial for monitoring hostile activity and safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure in the region.

By modernizing its underwater fleet, Poland not only addresses its own national security needs but also contributes substantially to NATO's collective defense. The strategic alliance forged with Sweden through this contract reinforces a united front in a region increasingly marked by geopolitical tension, ensuring that the Baltic Sea remains a domain of secure passage and stability.