Poland has chosen Sweden’s Saab A26 submarines to replace its ageing Kilo-class submarine, under the long-running Orka programme. Warsaw announced it will purchase three boats, although no contract has yet been signed.

The selection of Saab’s A26 Blekinge-class design came after a competitive evaluation against Germany’s Type 212CD, France’s Scorpène, and offers from Italy’s Fincantieri, Spain’s Navantia, and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean.

Saab, together with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), will now proceed with the next steps of the procurement process alongside Polish authorities.

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the announcement as “an extraordinarily important day for Poland’s security and for the Navy.” He said that the acquisition would strengthen national defence capabilities while also benefiting Poland’s economy and defence industry.

The Orka programme, initiated in 2014, aims to replace the single Kilo-class submarine, which entered service in 1986. The programme was revised in 2023, at which point Saab’s A26 design was competing against German and Franco-Spanish alternatives.

Poland has chosen Sweden as partner for its submarine program.

This shows the strength not only of the cooperation between our countries, but also of Sweden as a defense-industry nation. It is confirmation that the Swedish defense industry stands strong. Saab has a… pic.twitter.com/WhSFlQru7n

— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) November 26, 2025

Saab’s A26 submarines are described as fifth-generation vessels. They are diesel-electric and incorporate Saab’s latest Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which reduces acoustic signatures.

Each submarine features four 533 mm torpedo tubes and two 400 mm tubes, and can optionally be equipped with a module for vertical-launch cruise missiles, though it is not confirmed if the Polish boats will include this capability.

The A26 design also includes a Multi-Mission Portal capable of deploying swimmer delivery vehicles and a wide range of uncrewed underwater vehicles.

The submarines are capable of seabed warfare, minelaying, intelligence collection, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine operations. A strengthened hull without external tanks and an X-rudder configuration allows the vessel to hide on the seabed.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, stated that the company was honoured to have been selected and looked forward to negotiations with the Polish Armaments Agency.

He added that the submarines, tailored for the Baltic Sea, would enhance the operational capability of the Polish Navy and provide economic benefits to Poland.

References: Saab, ESD