Poland Awards $4.8 Billion Saab A26 Submarine Contract to Strengthen Baltic Naval Security
Poland Signs $4.8 Billion Deal for Three Saab A26 Submarines
Poland has officially signed a SEK 47 billion ($4.8 billion) contract with Swedish defense manufacturer Saab for the construction of three A26 submarines, marking one of the country’s largest naval procurement programs in recent years.
The agreement follows Poland’s decision earlier this year to select Saab’s proposal over several competing European submarine manufacturers. The new vessels will replace the Polish Navy’s aging Soviet-era Kilo-class submarines, significantly enhancing the country’s maritime defense capabilities.
Delivery Scheduled Between 2031 and 2038
According to the agreement, delivery of the submarines will take place in phases. The first A26 submarine is scheduled for delivery in 2031, while the remaining vessels, complete with integrated combat systems and fully trained crews, are expected to enter service by 2038.
The phased timeline has been designed to support infrastructure development, operational integration, and logistical readiness throughout the modernization process.
Sweden Says Deal Will Strengthen NATO Security
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the contract as a long-term strategic investment that will strengthen both Poland and the wider NATO alliance.
He said the agreement would make the Polish Navy one of NATO’s strongest submarine forces while improving security across the Baltic Sea. Kristersson also noted that hundreds of Polish companies are expected to participate as subcontractors, with Saab planning to invest up to €100 million ($114 million) in Poland.
Saab Highlights Advanced Capabilities
Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson welcomed the agreement, saying the company is honored that Poland selected the A26 platform to strengthen its national defense and deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
According to Saab, the A26 submarine has been designed for modern underwater warfare with an extremely low acoustic signature, making it difficult to detect. The submarines are equipped with 400 mm and 533 mm swim-out torpedoes and are capable of carrying long-range precision strike weapons, including the option to deploy submarine-launched missiles against both maritime and land targets.
The platform is also designed for special forces operations, intelligence missions, surveillance, and minelaying, providing multi-domain operational flexibility.
Poland Plans Long-Term Support and Maintenance
The Polish Armament Agency stated that the delivery schedule was carefully aligned with infrastructure projects and technological adaptation requirements to ensure a smooth introduction of the new submarine fleet.
The agency also noted that early procurement of long-lead equipment will help optimize the final configuration of the submarines without affecting the procurement process.
In addition to the construction contract, Saab and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The proposed joint venture would provide maintenance, repair, and lifecycle modernization services for Poland’s future submarine fleet, strengthening domestic industrial capabilities and long-term operational support.
A Major Step in Poland’s Naval Modernization
The A26 submarine program represents a major milestone in Poland’s ongoing naval modernization strategy. Beyond replacing obsolete submarines, the project is expected to expand domestic defense industry participation, strengthen NATO’s maritime presence in the Baltic Sea, and enhance Poland’s long-term underwater warfare capabilities.
