Poland signed a contract to purchase three A26-type submarines from Swedish defense company Saab on June 29, 2024 [1, 3, 4].
The acquisition aims to fill a critical capability gap in the Baltic Sea. By enhancing its underwater defense, Poland intends to secure its maritime borders amid rising regional security concerns.
The deal is valued at 47 billion Swedish kronor [2]. In U.S. dollars, the contract value is reported between $4.8 billion [1] and $4.83 billion [3]. This investment represents a significant expansion of Poland's naval procurement strategy.
Saab will provide the three A26-type submarines [3] as part of a broader Baltic Sea defense cooperation framework [1, 2]. This framework focuses on deepening the security relationship between Poland and Sweden to counter potential threats in the region.
The A26 submarine is designed for littoral operations, making it suitable for the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea. The procurement is intended to strengthen Poland's ability to conduct surveillance and deterrent operations.
Officials said the agreement serves to deepen defense cooperation with Sweden. The partnership leverages Swedish expertise in submarine technology to ensure Poland maintains a modern underwater fleet.
“Poland signed a contract to purchase three A26-type submarines from Swedish defense company Saab”
This procurement signals a strategic shift in Baltic Sea power dynamics. By integrating Swedish A26 technology, Poland is transitioning from a shore-based defense posture to a more proactive underwater deterrent. The deal also cements a security axis between Poland and Sweden, effectively tightening the NATO-aligned maritime perimeter around the Baltic region to monitor and restrict adversarial naval movements.


