Poland signs deal for three Swedish A26 submarines and deploys ORP Mewa to NATO mine‑countermeasures group

Poland’s Ministry of Defence signed a contract in Gdyni on 29 June 2026 to purchase three A26 Blekinge‑class submarines from Sweden’s Saab Kockums. The submarines, intended to replace the ageing ORP Orzeł, are slated for delivery between 2031 and 2038 and will include diesel‑electric AIP propulsion, logistical support, crew training and infrastructure upgrades. The agreement, however, is currently limited to a memorandum of understanding; former defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak warned that it does not guarantee technology transfer or Polish industry participation and that financing will rely on borrowing from the BGK support fund.

On 1 July 2026 the mine‑hunter ORP Mewa (603) left Gdyni to join the NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1, becoming the first Polish‑built vessel permanently assigned to the alliance’s force. The ship forms part of the Polish Contingent Kormoran 2026, which will operate in the Baltic, North and Norwegian seas, conducting mine detection, clearance and other underwater security tasks through the end of 2026. Senior naval officials highlighted the deployment as a sign of Poland’s growing contribution to NATO maritime security.

General Roman Polko, former commander of the GROM unit, called the submarine programme a crucial step for Poland’s Baltic defence but cautioned that the navy remains in a “deep slump” and needs broader rebuilding, including new helicopters and faster project timelines.