Poland is seeking to bolster its naval capabilities at a time when the conflict in Ukraine has entered its fifth year and the U.S. is redirecting its defense focus. The deal deepens ties with Sweden.
Poland's government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, signed a contract with Swedish defense company Saab AB to buy three A26-type submarines. The total price tag is around 47 billion Swedish kronor, which equals roughly $4.83 billion. That covers not just the boats but also weapons, training, and a support package.
Since Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine, the Baltic area has become a geopolitical hotspot. Poland's coastline now hosts major energy installations, leaving key infrastructure exposed to possible attacks from the sea. At the same time, Washington shifts its defense priorities elsewhere.
The Blekinge-class A26 submarines feature advanced stealth capabilities and are optimized for operations in shallow coastal waters. Equipped with air-independent propulsion, they can operate submerged for extended periods, making them highly effective in the shallow Baltic Sea. This acquisition will significantly improve Poland's ability to patrol its waters and deter potential adversaries. The lease of the older A17 submarine provides an interim capability while the new boats are being built.
Poland has been ramping up its overall defense spending, aiming to modernize all branches of its armed forces. The submarine contract complements recent purchases of advanced missile systems, tanks, and fighter jets. The presence of a so-called Russian shadow fleet of aging tankers evading sanctions in the Baltic further heightens the need for robust maritime surveillance and response. The leased A17 will offer immediate patrol capacity as the more sophisticated A26 boats take shape.
Poland's navy has long relied on outdated vessels, and the new submarines will fill a critical gap in its ability to monitor the Baltic Sea. The acquisition is part of a broader modernization effort that reflects Warsaw's determination to deter any potential aggression and protect its growing offshore energy assets.
Sweden and Poland are NATO allies. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "We often say that the Baltic Sea has not faced such serious challenges for a very long time. "But thanks to our combined capabilities, the Baltic Sea has also never been as well defended as it is today"."
Under the contract, Saab is to set up facilities in Poland for servicing, repairs, and overhauls. The creation of these maintenance hubs will also generate skilled jobs and boost Poland's self-sufficiency in sustaining its submarine fleet.
