Poland to sign contract for three Swedish A26 submarines on June 29

Poland's defence ministry announced that a contract to purchase three A26 Blekinge‑class submarines from Sweden will be signed on 29 June in Gdynia. The deal is part of the long‑running "Orka" programme aimed at modernising the Polish Navy, which currently operates only the ageing Soviet‑built ORP Orzeł. In addition to the three new submarines, the agreement includes a "gap‑filler" A17 vessel to be delivered in 2027, allowing crews to train and maintain operational capability while the larger boats are built.

The submarines, built by Saab‑Kockums, feature modular construction, diesel‑electric propulsion with an Air‑Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, 533 mm torpedo tubes and a specialised dock for unmanned underwater vehicles. The first of the A26 boats for Poland is expected to be ready by 2030, with deliveries scheduled for the late 2020s. The contract also foresees cooperation between Polish and Swedish firms on training, technology transfer and the potential sale of a Polish rescue vessel to the Swedish navy.