The deal with PGZ covers cooperation on local capabilities for submarine maintenance, repair and overhaul under the Orka program, while the agreement with WB Group concerns autonomous maritime systems, WB’s Gladius unmanned platforms and Future Task Force vehicles, Saab said.
The agreements mark the next stage of cooperation launched in September 2025, according to the company.
The Polish-Swedish defense industry accords were signed during a visit to Poland by Sweden’s royal couple, accompanied by government ministers and representatives of Swedish industry. On Thursday, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited Gdańsk, while in Gdynia the defense ministers of Poland and Sweden, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Pal Jonson, held talks.
After the meeting, Poland’s defense minister said work on the order for three submarines for Poland was proceeding on schedule.
At the end of November, the Polish government decided to buy three modern submarines from Sweden under the Orka program, one of the navy’s most important modernization efforts.
Saab’s offer includes three A26 Blekinge submarines built by Saab-Kockums. The first vessels of that type are currently being built for the Swedish navy, though the program has been delayed and deliveries are now planned for 2027-2028.
The A26 Blekinge design is modular, with diesel-electric propulsion and an air-independent propulsion module to extend submerged operations. The submarines’ main armament includes 533 mm torpedo tubes and a dock allowing the launch of underwater drones or covert transport of special forces.
Poland currently operates one aging submarine, ORP Orzeł, built in 1985 in the Soviet Union. The vessel has required regular repairs for years, and if it is withdrawn from service the navy will have no equipment left for submarine crews to train on or maintain their skills.
(jh)
Source: PAP