Poland signed a contract this month with Sweden's Saab to purchase three A26-type stealth submarines [1].

The acquisition represents a significant upgrade to Poland's naval capabilities in the Baltic Sea. By enhancing surveillance and deterrence, the Polish government intends to strengthen the collective defense posture of NATO in a strategically volatile region [1].

The agreement was finalized between the Polish State Treasury Armaments Agency and Saab [1]. Reports on the total cost of the contract vary slightly, with estimates ranging from $4.8 billion [2] to $4.9 billion [3]. Another report listed the value as SEK 47 billion [3].

These stealth submarines are designed for high-end maritime security operations. The A26 class is specifically engineered for littoral environments, allowing for discreet movement and advanced monitoring of underwater activity. The Polish navy will receive the three vessels [4] in a phased delivery period spanning from 2030 to 2038 [5].

The move comes as Poland continues to invest heavily in its military infrastructure. The integration of these stealth assets is expected to provide the Polish State Treasury Armaments Agency with a more robust toolset for monitoring maritime borders, and protecting critical undersea infrastructure.

Officials said the deal focuses on improving maritime security and deterrence. The addition of the A26 submarines will allow Poland to project power more effectively within the Baltic region—a primary goal for the nation's current defense strategy.

“Poland signed a contract this month with Sweden's Saab to purchase three A26-type stealth submarines”

This acquisition signals Poland's transition toward a more sophisticated underwater warfare capability. By selecting the A26, Poland is prioritizing stealth and littoral agility over sheer size, which is critical for the shallow and congested waters of the Baltic Sea. This investment aligns with a broader trend of NATO's eastern flank members increasing procurement of high-tech assets to counter regional security threats.