en.Wedoany.com Reported - Sweden and Poland have reached an agreement on negotiations for Poland's procurement of three A26 submarines from Saab. The Swedish government stated that the agreement will enhance Poland's maritime capabilities and deepen bilateral cooperation in security and industrial policy.
According to information released by Saab, the contract for the production and delivery of three A26 submarines includes a weapons package, as well as training and support packages, with a total order value of approximately SEK 47 billion (about $4.8 billion). Saab will adopt a continuous delivery approach, with final delivery scheduled for 2038.
The A26 submarine is specifically designed to operate under the harsh conditions of the Baltic Sea, featuring full stealth and low detectability. With its freedom of action, stealth capabilities, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the submarine can support naval multi-domain operations.
The agreement also stipulates that Poland will lease Sweden's HMS Södermanland submarine until 2032 to rapidly enhance its active underwater combat capabilities before the new submarines are delivered. Sweden has also committed to supporting the new submarine (NTS) program from approximately 2027 to 2038, with an extension option. This support includes allowing Poland to participate in testing and trial activities for Sweden's HMS Blekinge and HMS Skåne A26 submarines, creating conditions to accelerate Poland's operational capability building.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that the Sweden-Poland submarine cooperation will enhance competitiveness and economic growth, creating thousands of jobs in both countries. The Swedish government noted that maritime cooperation is a core part of the work related to the Baltic Pact. Sweden and Poland initiated this pact during a government-level meeting on June 29, aiming to deepen bilateral security and defense cooperation. The pact will be structured around three pillars: security and defense policy cooperation, military cooperation, and defense industrial cooperation. Its goal is to strengthen security in the Baltic Sea region and, as NATO allies, jointly limit Russia's ability to expand its influence and cause harm.
Kristersson added that as close partners in the Baltic Sea, Sweden and Poland will deepen cooperation to enhance security across the region, acting on a shared assessment of the long-term threat posed by Russia and the importance of continued support for Ukraine.
Training for Polish submarine crews will begin in August, ahead of the original schedule. Training capacity has been significantly expanded to meet Polish needs, representing the largest submarine-related training and support program ever implemented by the Swedish Navy in terms of scope and timeframe.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that Poland chose the A26 based on its unique characteristics, which are specifically developed for the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea. Shallow waters, complex seabed structures, and limited operational space impose extremely high demands on stealth, maneuverability, and endurance, and the A26 provides advanced solutions in these areas.
Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson said the company is deeply honored that Poland has chosen Saab's submarines to enhance its defense capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The three A26 submarines will meet Poland's current and future defense needs and play a key role in strengthening security in the Baltic Sea region.
