Poland signs multi-billion-euro deal with Sweden for three A26 submarines under Orka programme

Signing ceremony in Gdynia

On 29 June 2026, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson presided over the signing of execution agreements for the Orka submarine programme at the Naval Academy in Gdynia. The contracts were inked on board the frigate ORP Gen. Tadeusz Kościuszko, acquiring three conventional A26 Blekinge-class submarines from Saab Kockums. The event also saw the conclusion of an intergovernmental framework for defence equipment purchases and agreements covering a Swedish purchase of a Polish-built rescue vessel, the Ratownik.

“This is a historic agreement of great importance for our defence and cooperation between our two countries.”

The Orka programme at a glance

The A26 submarines feature diesel-electric propulsion with air-independent propulsion (AIP), enabling multi-day submerged operations without surfacing to recharge batteries. They will replace the sole remaining Polish submarine, ORP Orzeł. The programme value is estimated at roughly 20 billion Polish złoty (approximately 50 billion Swedish kronor). The contract includes logistics, operational support, crew training, and infrastructure preparation. Industrial cooperation involves Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), Saab, and WB Group, with hundreds of Polish companies expected to participate.

Bridging capability and crew training

To ensure continuity until the first A26 arrives, Sweden will loan a decommissioned A17-class submarine as a gap-filler from 2027. Polish sailors will begin training in Sweden in August 2026. Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson stressed that early familiarisation is essential.

“Polish sailors must rapidly build their capabilities. Already next year an A17 will be made available as a gap-filler.”

Strategic context and expert view

Rear Admiral (ret.) Krzysztof Zdonek, former commander of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla, told PAP that the three submarines place Poland in the front rank of North Atlantic navies. He dismissed claims that the Baltic is too small and shallow for effective operations, calling them uninformed. The submarines are intended for deterrence, reconnaissance, and protection of critical infrastructure.

“It is the most effective tool for deterrence, reconnaissance, and combating an adversary at sea.”

Wider bilateral cooperation

Beyond the submarines, the two governments signed a Ratownik agreement setting the organisational and legal framework for Sweden’s purchase of a Polish-built rescue ship. A financial arrangement between Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and the Swedish Export Credit Agency was also completed, alongside a letter of intent between WB Group and Saab. Prime Minister Tusk said the Orka project is merely one stage of deepening cooperation, not its finale. Both leaders emphasised their shared assessment of regional security and determination to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.