Poland signs multibillion submarine contract with Sweden's Saab

Poland and Sweden concluded a defence agreement in Gdynia on 29 June 2026, witnessed by Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Ulf Kristersson. The contract with Saab calls for three A26 Blekinge‑class submarines, valued at roughly 47 billion Swedish crowns (about 18–20 billion zlotys or US $4.8 billion). The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2030, with the final unit expected by 2038.

The deal includes a full weapons package, crew training, logistics support and a long‑term maintenance partnership that will involve Polish defence industry participation. Until the new submarines enter service, Poland will lease the older Swedish A17 submarine HMS Södermanland as a gap‑filler until 2032. The agreement also launches a broader “Baltic Sea Pact” to deepen security, military and industrial cooperation between the two NATO allies, aimed at strengthening Baltic Sea defence and countering regional threats, notably from Russia, while supporting Ukraine.

The contract represents one of the largest procurement projects in the history of the Polish Navy and is expected to generate thousands of jobs in both countries and reinforce Poland’s maritime capabilities.