Saab A26 model submarine. Source: Saab
On November 26, 2025, a press conference was held at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and government spokesman Adam Szłapka, in the presence of representatives of the Polish Navy and the Armaments Agency. The conference focused on, among other things, the ORKA programme — the acquisition of submarines for the Polish Army.
“We are building a new security architecture. This decision builds a new security architecture in the Baltic Sea. After analysing the responses of individual states, the team recommended Sweden as the first-choice country,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“This agreement was concluded between the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden. Sweden presented the best offer according to the team, and this was confirmed by the Council of Ministers. This was based on an objective analysis of all criteria, including delivery time, price, value, and operational capability, particularly in the Baltic Sea basin”, said the Minister of National Defence.
As the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised, the submarine procurement contract is an example of a contract that not only acquires new equipment for the Polish Army, but also acquires capabilities for the Polish economy and the Polish defence industry.
“The proximity of Sweden and NATO’s presence also means using Swedish infrastructure in the operation of submarines and other types of military equipment. Joint exercises, joint skill development, and joint security guarantees, for which I sincerely thank you”, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised.
World’s First Fifth-Generation Submarine
After the announcement, Saab rose by 2.4 per cent on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the Polish and Swedish governments will finalise the deal by the end of the year, and that they aim to complete an agreement with Saab no later than the second quarter of 2026. It concerns the submarine model A26.
According to reports in the Polish media, the deal is worth around 10 billion zlotys, equivalent to 26 billion kronor ($1 USD,86 billion). Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz says that five nations in addition to Sweden competed for the contract: France, Germany, Spain, Italy and South Korea.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson commented on the possible deal on the X platform.
“It is a strength not only for our countries’ cooperation but for the whole of Sweden as a defence industry country. It is proof that the Swedish defence industry is strong. Saab has a world-leading submarine programme,” he wrote.
Kristersson continued: “Poland and Sweden have a deep common view on the challenges for European security. Together, Sweden and Poland will take greater responsibility for security in the Baltic Sea. We are now greatly deepening our political, defence and industrial cooperation.”
Saab confirmed in a press release that the Polish government has selected Sweden’s offer for Saab’s A26 submarines to replace the current Kilo-class submarine. Saab states that it has not signed any contracts or received any orders at this time.
Source:
- Privata Affarer (in Swedish)
- MSN (in Swedish)
- Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej (in Polish)
More reading:
- Sweden and Saab selected for Poland’s new submarines / Naval News