Poland buys submarines from Saab for $2.7 billion: how it will strengthen the Baltic Sea.

According to ТСН: Poland has announced the selection of the Swedish company Saab as the supplier of three submarines. These new submarines will be an important element in strengthening Warsaw's defense forces in the Baltic Sea. The total value of the deal under the "Orca" program is approximately $2.73 billion.

The multi-billion dollar deal and its strategic significance

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Sweden presented the best offer in all parameters, such as delivery times and operational characteristics, especially for the Baltic Sea. The company Saab, which will provide Poland with A26 submarines, also committed to procure certain armaments from Warsaw as part of broader cooperation.

This is Saab's first export order for submarines since acquiring the relevant division in 2014. Poland plans to conclude a commercial agreement by the second quarter of 2026, and the first delivery is expected by 2030.

"This is a real breakthrough. It is incredibly important for the security of the Baltic Sea, and having such capability on both sides of the sea means a lot,"

— said Saab CEO Mikael Johansson.

Joint defense of the Baltic region

Warsaw's decision to significantly increase investments in defense forces is a response to the growing threat from Russia, especially after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The deal with Sweden also reflects Poland's efforts in shaping the Baltic alliance and strengthening cooperation in the region.

A26 submarines are designed for conducting combat operations underwater and can help NATO prevent attacks on underwater infrastructure, which has become particularly relevant after a number of suspicious incidents involving damage to cables and pipelines since 2022.

Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson emphasized in his statement that Russian aggression makes the expansion of defense cooperation in the Baltic Sea more important than ever. The deal establishes a joint underwater operations system and enhances interoperability between the naval forces of Sweden and Poland. Additionally, Sweden has committed to providing Poland with a training submarine.

It is worth noting that this year Russia has deployed five nuclear submarines 60 km from NATO borders. Western experts believe that the Arctic is becoming a testing ground for the Russian submarine fleet.

The agreement between Poland and Sweden highlights the importance of regional security in the context of modern military challenges. Strengthening Poland's combat capabilities will not only enhance its defense posture but also contribute to closer cooperation within NATO, especially amid rising tensions in the Baltic region. The development of underwater forces may also significantly impact the strategic situation in the region, requiring appropriate measures from neighboring countries.