Poland Selects Sweden's Saab A26 Submarine for Orka Program
Poland Selects Swedish Saab A26 Submarine for Landmark Orka Program
STOCKHOLM — The Polish government has officially selected Sweden’s Saab A26 Blekinge-class submarine for its long-awaited Orka program, representing a pivotal moment for Polish defense capabilities and the broader European defense industrial base. The decision involves an approximately 10 billion Polish zloty ($2.52 billion) investment for three next-generation submarines, marking Poland’s most significant submarine procurement since the Cold War.
The A26 selection comes after Poland evaluated competing proposals from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Italy’s Fincantieri, France’s Naval Group, Spain’s Navantia, and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean. The Swedish offer’s victory underscores growing defense collaboration within NATO and reflects the strategic importance of Baltic Sea security.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz characterized the decision as historic for both Poland’s military capabilities and Warsaw-Stockholm relations. Officials anticipate an intergovernmental agreement could be signed by year-end, positioning submarine deliveries for 2030. However, substantial uncertainties remain: negotiations between Warsaw and Stockholm are ongoing, no contract has been finalized, and it remains unclear whether Poland will receive newly constructed vessels or refurbished Swedish boats.
The A26 Blekinge-class represents cutting-edge submarine technology. These diesel-electric vessels feature Stirling air-independent propulsion, enabling extended underwater endurance without surfacing. The submarines incorporate multi-mission portals supporting diver operations, unmanned underwater vehicle deployment, and advanced torpedo systems. Export variants potentially include modular payload sections compatible with submarine-launched missiles and vertical launch systems for land-attack capabilities, though Poland has not committed to these options.
Strategically, Poland’s procurement addresses critical Baltic Sea security concerns. Located adjacent to Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave—home to a major naval base hosting submarines and surface combatants—Poland requires enhanced underwater deterrence. The A26’s advanced capabilities significantly strengthen NATO’s anti-submarine warfare posture in the region.
The selection represents a significant achievement for Saab’s A26 program, which has experienced notable development challenges. Sweden’s original two-boat order, placed in 2015, encountered substantial delays and cost escalations. Initial estimates doubled to 25 billion SEK ($2.6 billion), with deliveries pushed to 2031-2033. Saab CEO Micael Johansson acknowledged Poland’s selection as validating the program’s strategic merit.
Industry analysts view Poland’s order positively, as additional hulls could help distribute Saab’s fixed development costs across more units. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that the decision demonstrates “the Swedish defense industry stands strong” and confirms Saab’s world-leading submarine capabilities.
UK involvement in the effort—providing cutting-edge technology—further underscores the collaborative nature of modern defense procurement. This partnership approach reflects broader European defense integration trends as NATO reinforces eastern flank security.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764183886263-983