Saab has secured an order worth approximately SEK 47 billion ($4.9 billion) to build and deliver three A26 submarines for the Polish Navy, marking one of the largest defense contracts in the Swedish company’s history.
The agreement, signed with Poland’s State Treasury Armaments Agency, also includes a weapon package, training, and long-term support. Saab said deliveries will begin during the production phase, with the final submarine scheduled for delivery in 2038.
The A26 is designed for stealth operations in the Baltic Sea, where shallow waters and heavy maritime traffic make submarine detection particularly challenging. Saab says the submarine is engineered to operate quietly while supporting intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and naval combat missions.
The contract also expands cooperation between Sweden and Poland beyond submarine production. Saab will establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Poland in partnership with local industry to support long-term operation of the fleet.
Strengthening Baltic defenses
The A26 submarine is built to support multi-domain naval operations by combining stealth with the ability to collect intelligence while remaining undetected. Saab says the platform is optimized for the demanding operational conditions of the Baltic Sea.
“We are deeply honoured that Poland has chosen Saab’s submarines to bolster its defence capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two nations. The three A26 submarines meet Poland’s current and future defence requirements and will play a pivotal role in enhancing security in the Baltic Sea region,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
In addition to the new submarines, Poland will temporarily operate the Swedish submarine HMS Södermanland under a separate agreement between the Swedish and Polish governments. The submarine will serve as a gap-filler capability until the new A26 fleet enters service.
The long delivery schedule reflects the complexity of modern submarine construction, with continuous deliveries planned before the final vessel is handed over in 2038.
Conventional submarines like the A26 remain a key part of modern naval strategy because they can operate for extended periods with a low acoustic signature in coastal waters. Their ability to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and deter adversaries makes them particularly valuable in strategically contested regions such as the Baltic Sea.
Long-term industrial partnership
Beyond supplying submarines, Saab said the agreement is intended to strengthen Poland’s domestic defense industry. Establishing local MRO capabilities will allow the Polish Navy to maintain and service the submarines within the country, reducing reliance on overseas support.
The training package included in the contract is expected to prepare Polish crews and technical personnel for operating and sustaining the new fleet over its service life.
The order also reinforces Saab’s position in the global submarine market. The company manufactures advanced underwater systems and defense technologies for military customers worldwide, with the A26 representing its latest conventional submarine design focused on survivability, stealth, and operational flexibility.
The new fleet is expected to play a central role in Poland’s naval modernization as countries around the Baltic Sea continue investing in maritime security and underwater capabilities.