Poland's A26 Submarine Deal: Weapons Package, Interim Boat Lease, and Delivery Schedule

Poland has finalized a firm order with Saab for three A26-type (Blekinge-class) submarines under the long-running Orka program, valued at approximately SEK 47 billion (€4.26 billion). The contract includes a weapons package with light and heavy torpedoes, undisclosed missile integration, and a training/support package. As an interim measure, Poland will lease the Swedish submarine HMS Södermanland, an A-17 class boat with AIP propulsion, with training starting in August 2026. Deliveries of the new submarines are scheduled between 2031 and 2038, with the first possibly being the diverted second Swedish hull, HMS Skåne. The deal also includes Polish-Swedish cooperation on a submarine rescue vessel under the Ratownik program.