Saab to build three A26 submarines for Poland

Saab A 26 submarine [Photo: Saab]

Sweden and Poland have successfully finalized negotiations on Poland’s procurement of three A26 submarines from Saab. The Swedish Government says that the agreement is a significant step in strengthening Poland’s maritime capability, while also helping the countries deepen their collaboration on security and industrial policy.

According to Saab, the contract for the production and delivery of the three A26-type submarines also covers a weapon package and a training- and support package. The order value corresponds to approximately SEK 47 billion (about $4.8 billion)

Saab will deliver continuously with the final deliveries scheduled during 2038.

Saab’s A26 submarine is designed to meet the demanding operational conditions of the Baltic Sea and engineered specifically to operate in complete silence and remain undetected. A submarine significantly contributes to naval Multi Domain Operations through its freedom of movement, stealth and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

Under the agreement, Poland will lease the Swedish HMS Södermanland submarine until 2032. This solution will enable Poland to rapidly reinforce its operational underwater capacity while awaiting the delivery of the new submarines.

Sweden has also committed to providing support to the New Type Submarine (NTS) program from approximately 2027 to 2038, with an option to extend. This support will include Poland’s participation in Sweden’s test and experiment activities with the HMS Blekinge and HMS Skåne A26 submarines, which will create conditions to accelerate the build-up of Poland’s operational capacity.

“This Swedish-Polish submarine cooperation will enhance competitiveness and economic growth and create thousands of jobs in both countries,” says Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The Swedish Government says that maritime cooperation is at the heart of the work related to the Baltic Sea Pact – a deepened bilateral security and defense cooperation that Sweden and Poland launched today, June 29 in conjunction with government-level talks June. The Pact will be developed based on three pillars: cooperation on security and defense policy, military cooperation, and defence industry cooperation. The objective is to strengthen security in the Baltic Sea region and constrain Russia’s ability to expand its power and inflict harm, jointly as NATO Allies.

“As close partners on the Baltic Sea, Sweden and Poland will deepen their cooperation to strengthen security throughout the region. Our cooperation rests on a common view of the long-term threat that Russia constitutes and the importance of continuing to support Ukraine,” adds Kristersson.

Training of Polish submarine crews will begin in August, earlier than previously planned. Meanwhile, training capacity has been significantly expanded to meet Poland’s needs. This is the most extensive submarine-related training and support initiative that the Swedish Navy has ever implemented, in terms of both scope and timeframe.

“Poland’s choice of the A26 is based on the submarines’ unique characteristics, specifically developed for the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea,” says Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. “The shallow waters, complex seabed structures and limited operational space place high demands on stealth, maneuverability and endurance – areas in which the A26 offers advanced solutions,” he adds.

“We are deeply honored that Poland has chosen Saab’s submarines to bolster its defence capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two nations. The three A26 submarines meet Poland’s current and future defence requirements and will play a pivotal role in enhancing security in the Baltic Sea region,” said Micael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab.