In a significant move to enhance its maritime defense capabilities, the Polish government has announced its decision to select Saab’s A26 submarines as successors to the aging Kilo-class submarine, the last of the Soviet-era vessels still in service. This development comes after extensive evaluations of bids from six competitors, including major defense contractors like France’s Naval Group, Germany’s thyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Italy’s Fincantieri, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, and Spain’s Navantia.
Although a formal contract is yet to be finalized, the Polish government intends to procure three A26 submarines as part of its Orca program, with the deal estimated to be worth approximately 10 billion Polish zloty, equivalent to around $2.52 billion. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed optimism about concluding an intergovernmental agreement with Sweden “within weeks,” highlighting the urgency and importance of the project.
In the minister’s assessment, Sweden’s offer emerged as the most favorable due to a detailed analysis of various factors including delivery timelines, cost, value, and operational capabilities, particularly in the strategic context of the Baltic Sea. “Sweden’s offer was the only one that met all expectations,” Kosiniak-Kamysz remarked, suggesting a thorough vetting process paved the way for this decision.
A critical aspect of the contract includes the development of expertise within the Polish shipbuilding sector. Sweden’s bid was noted for its comprehensive potential for investment in the Polish arms industry, as well as servicing and maintenance opportunities. Saab reaffirmed this commitment, stating that its proposal encompasses significant collaboration with the Polish industry and knowledge transfer, thereby fostering a strategic partnership between Poland and Sweden.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted that the A26 submarines are specifically designed for operations in the Baltic Sea, promising to enhance the Polish Navy’s operational capabilities and contribute positively to the national economy.
The A26 submarine, also known as the Blekinge-class vessel, features a compact design at 65 meters (213 feet) in length and displaces around 2,000 tonnes (approximately 4.4 million pounds) when surfaced. The submarines are typically manned by a crew of 26 but can accommodate up to 35 personnel, including special forces.
Equipped with a Stirling air-independent propulsion system, the diesel-electric submarines can remain submerged for over 18 days and are capable of deploying unmanned underwater vehicles, alongside a variety of missions ranging from minelaying to intelligence-gathering and both anti-surface and anti-submarine operations.
One of the standout features of the A26 is its exceptionally low acoustic signature, designed to allow stealthy navigation through sonar-rich waters, which is crucial for effective surveillance operations. In terms of armament, the A26 is outfitted with long-range precision torpedoes and missiles, capable of engaging targets in underwater, surface, and land environments. Additionally, it possesses “soft-kill” capabilities, enabling underwater information warfare and disrupting enemy communication and sensor networks through its advanced electronic systems.
This selection of the A26 submarines marks a pivotal shift in Poland’s naval strategy, underscoring its commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and enhancing regional security in the Baltic Sea.
