Poland orders Saab A26 submarines with weapons package

Poland has signed a contract with Sweden's Saab for three A26 (Blekinge‑class) submarines, valued at roughly SEK 47 billion (about €4.3 bn). The submarines are scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2038, with the first unit expected in 2031 and full hand‑over by 2032. The agreement includes a comprehensive weapons and training package that features heavy‑weight and light torpedoes and provision for a future missile capability, although the specific missile system has not been disclosed.

As part of the deal, the Polish Navy will lease the upgraded HMSSödermanland, a former Swedish A‑17 class submarine that has been modernised with air‑independent Stirling propulsion. The vessel will be used for crew training starting in August and will conduct operational missions in the Baltic Sea during the training period, ensuring continued NATO submarine presence in the region. Additional cooperation agreements cover a coordinated tender for a submarine rescue vessel and broader Polish‑Swedish defence collaboration.