At the Polish Naval Academy, in the presence of the prime ministers and defence ministers of Poland and Sweden, a contract for new submarines for the Polish Navy was signed under the long-awaited "Orka" programme. After nearly three decades of anticipation, Poland's naval forces are finally set to acquire a new generation of underwater warfare capabilities.

Alongside the "Miecznik" frigate programme, "Orka" has been one of the most widely discussed and closely followed naval procurement projects in Poland. The issue of maintaining submarine warfare capabilities and preserving the expertise of naval personnel has remained a subject of debate and controversy for years. This has been particularly pressing given that the Submarine Squadron of the 3rd Ship Flotilla currently operates only a single vessel, the 40-year-old ORP Orzeł, whose operational effectiveness has frequently been questioned. Several years earlier, the last two of the four Kobben-class submarines previously operated by the Polish Navy were decommissioned. Originally intended as an interim solution pending the acquisition of their successors, these vessels ultimately served far longer than anticipated.

The signing of the contract marks the culmination of a process that has spanned almost thirty years, while simultaneously opening a new chapter in the history of the Polish Navy through the introduction of a new generation of submarines.

– Today, in our naval port, we are witnessing a historic event: the signing of the most important contract for the Polish Navy and one of the most significant agreements for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. This is an agreement that restores our ability to operate beneath the sea. Among us are the sailors of the Submarine Squadron, who over recent years have made extraordinary efforts to maintain Poland's underwater capabilities. They are heroes of our Republic and heroes of our collective security. This is an emotional moment for them, for us and for all Poles, especially for people of the sea and naval personnel. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement, thanks to which Poland is acquiring three fifth-generation A26-class submarines. These are the most advanced submarines designed for operations in the Baltic Sea, capable of carrying out missions for both the Navy and special operations forces. They will be able to deploy swarms of drones controlled from the submarine and support the management of the security architecture of the Baltic Sea – said the Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

– We are deeply honoured that Poland has selected Saab submarines to strengthen its defence capabilities and deepen the strategic partnership between our two nations. The three A26 submarines will meet Poland's current and future defence requirements and will play a crucial role in strengthening security in the Baltic Sea region – said Micael Johansson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saab.

The signing of the long-awaited agreement at the Polish Naval Academy on 29 June was not the only major event of the day. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also travelled to Gdynia to participate in Polish-Swedish intergovernmental consultations. The talks covered European security, NATO cooperation and the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, as well as continued support for Ukraine.

The value of the Orka programme could reach as much as PLN 20 billion. In addition to the construction and delivery of the submarines, the contract includes a comprehensive logistics package, in-service support, personnel training, and the development of the necessary infrastructure — both naval base facilities and shipyard capabilities — required for the introduction of the vessels into service and their subsequent maintenance throughout their operational life. The Polish Minister of National Defence also confirmed that Polish companies will participate in the programme. It is worth noting that domestic companies are already involved in the construction of Sweden's A26-class submarines, including HG Solutions and Famor. Among the other issues attracting considerable interest are Sweden's planned defence procurements in Poland. These include, among others, a rescue vessel similar to the one currently being built for the Polish Navy under the "Ratownik" programme.

As announced by the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), the company has signed an agreement with Saab aimed at developing submarine maintenance and support capabilities in Poland. The document was signed by PGZ President and CEO Adam Leszkiewicz and Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson.

According to PGZ, alongside the acquisition of new submarines, it is equally important to develop the capability to service, overhaul and maintain these vessels over the coming decades. Building such competencies in Poland is therefore considered strategically important for national security and for strengthening the capabilities of the domestic defence industry.

The agreement provides for a joint assessment of establishing a special-purpose company that would, in the future, be responsible for developing submarine maintenance, overhaul and in-service support capabilities. The initiative is intended to ensure that Poland possesses not only modern underwater warfare platforms, but also the industrial and technical expertise necessary to sustain their operational readiness throughout their service life.

It should be recalled that at the end of November last year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Sweden had been selected from among six bidders competing in the Orka programme.

Saab Kockums, whose shipyard is located in Karlskrona, is to deliver three A26-class (Blekinge-class) submarines to the Polish Navy. The vessels are expected to enter service no earlier than 2030, although this timeline remains controversial given the prolonged construction schedule of the two submarines currently being built for the Swedish Navy.

In addition, an A17-class submarine, HMS Södermanland, is scheduled to be transferred to Poland next year as an interim solution. The vessel will be leased and, in addition to carrying out operational tasks, will serve as a platform for training and maintaining the specialist personnel of the Submarine Squadron of the 3rd Ship Flotilla.

Training of Polish naval personnel in Sweden, conducted in cooperation with the Swedish Navy, is also expected to commence in August. The programme is intended to preserve and further develop Poland's submarine warfare expertise ahead of the introduction of the new A26-class vessels into operational service.

Photo: Polish Ministry of Defense