Poland picks Sweden for its Orka submarines procurement
Three new submarines will be purchased by Poland from Sweden, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced after the government meeting.
Sweden offered the best terms, both in terms of delivery timing and the conditions and possibilities for technological cooperation. Sweden also declared purchases of armaments in Poland, including a rescue ship to be built at a Polish shipyard, Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Sweden will also provide a so-called gap-filler capability. Our sailors will learn to operate on a newer platform than the one we currently have. Training will begin in 2026, and in 2027, a new gap-filler sub will arrive in Poland. It will most likely be an A19-type vessel.
The cost will be determined in the implementation agreement with the manufacturer.
An agreement with the Swedish government could be signed by the end of this year, with the contract to be concluded no later than the end of the second quarter of 2026. Delivery of the A26 submarine is scheduled to be completed by 2030, and the value of the contract is expected to exceed PLN 10 billion.
This is a great day for the Polish state, a great day for the Navy. Poland has never lost its maritime capability, even during periods of occupation, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced in September that a resolution on the selection in the Orka program would be adopted by the end of the year. The government tasked the Ministry of National Defence with preparing recommendations that take into account the interests of the military and the economy. Seven shipyards from six countries submitted offers to the program: thyssenkrupp Marine Systems from Germany, Sweden’s Saab, the Italian Fincantieri group, the French Naval Group, Hanwha Ocean from South Korea; earlier, the Korean conglomerate Hyundai Heavy Industries also prepared a proposal for Poland.
Co-written with Mariusz Marszałkowski
