Poland has chosen Sweden’s proposal featuring Saab’s A26 Blekinge-class submarines for its Orka submarine programme.
Sweden’s proposal comprises advanced A26 submarines from Saab, incorporating the latest technological advancements.
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The offer also includes provisions for collaboration with Polish industry and knowledge transfer, aiming to establish a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Apart from Sweden, other competing bidders included Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, France’s Naval Group, Italy’s Fincantieri, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, and Spain’s Navantia, according to Polish public broadcaster TVP.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the selection at a press conference, stating: “Sweden presented the best offer in terms of all criteria, delivery time, and operational capability, especially in the Baltic Sea.”
Although Poland has selected Saab for the next stage, no contract or order has yet been finalised.
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By GlobalDataBoth Saab and Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) are expected to proceed with further procurement steps alongside Polish officials.
According to Reuters, this marks the first submarine export order for Saab since the acquisition of its submarine division in 2014.
The order includes three submarines, with an estimated value of 10bn zlotys ($2.73bn).
Saab president and CEO Micael Johansson said: “We are honoured to have been selected and look forward to the coming negotiations with the Armaments Agency in Poland. The Swedish offer, featuring submarines tailored for the Baltic Sea, is the right choice for the Polish people. It will significantly enhance the operational capability of the Polish Navy and benefit Polish economy.”
The A26 submarine measures 62 metres (m) in length with a draught of 6m and a surfaced displacement of roughly 1,800 tonnes (t).
It is designed to accommodate up to 26 personnel using a rotational hot bunk principle.
The vessel features two pressure-tight compartments and a mid-tank section equipped with an escape tower for emergencies.
For threat detection and identification, the Type A26 submarine is equipped with mast-mounted optronic sensor systems as well as active and passive sonar systems.
The Orka programme, first launched in 2014, aims to replace the existing Kilo-class submarine fleet.
Poland, currently the top defence spender in Europe, allocated 124.3bn złotys ($33bn) for its 2025 defence budget, including wage increases, representing a rise of $1.6bn over the previous year.
