Poland has officially selected Sweden to construct a new fleet of submarines, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the Polish Navy’s capabilities in light of rising tensions with Russia. This announcement was made by Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who emphasized that the decision is a key component of Poland’s “Orka” initiative. This initiative seeks to replace the navy’s aging Soviet-era submarine, which has become increasingly unreliable and requires frequent repairs.
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that the Swedish proposal was the only one that fully met the navy’s demands. “This decision builds a new security infrastructure in the Baltic Sea,” he stated, highlighting the importance of regional stability amidst ongoing geopolitical threats.
Poland’s current submarine has served as the sole vessel for training submariners, but its diminishing operational capacity has created concerns over the future readiness of Polish naval forces. With the first new submarine set to be delivered by 2030, the “Orka” plan aims to ensure the continued development of submarine warfare capabilities within the Polish Navy.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his approval of the collaboration, stating on social media platform X that Poland and Sweden share a common understanding concerning European security challenges. He added that this partnership would significantly enhance political, defense, and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
The deal involves the acquisition of A-26 Blekinge-class submarines, which are currently under construction by the Swedish defense and security firm Saab. Saab’s President, Micael Johansson, noted that these submarines are particularly well-suited for the shallower waters of the Baltic Sea, while still being capable of operating effectively in deeper oceans. The submarines will feature the ability to launch both heavy and light torpedoes, as well as lay naval mines.
However, despite the favorable selection, Saab clarified that no formal contract has been signed and no order has been officially placed as of now.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has placed a strong emphasis on bolstering its defense capabilities. By 2026, defense spending is projected to reach 4.8 percent of the nation’s GDP, making it the highest in relative terms within NATO. Prior to settling on Sweden for the submarine deal, Poland evaluated proposals from five other countries—France, South Korea, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
