On May 13th Swedish defence group Saab signed a strategic cooperation agreement in the maritime domain with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A (Polish Armament Group). The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the companies during the MSPO defence exhibition in Kielce in September 2025. In light of both ongoing and planned projects, numerous questions remain, with one of the most significant concerning when the executive agreement for the procurement of submarines under the “Orka” programme will finally be signed.

During the event, both companies underlined their interest in cooperation in the servicing and lifecycle support of both surface vessels and submarines. They also pointed to plans to integrate PGZ Group companies operating in the maritime sector into Saab’s supply chain. This would be complemented by the joint pursuit of selected export opportunities involving surface and subsea platforms, including rescue vessels. In the latter case, this may involve the use of the design currently serving as the basis for the rescue vessel under construction for the Polish Navy as part of the “Ratownik” programme.

“We are pleased to sign today’s agreement and with the pace at which our cooperation is developing. This agreement reflects a strong commitment to deepening the partnership between the Polish and Swedish industries, contributing to strengthened security in the Baltic Sea region and on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Micael Johansson.

The companies also expressed their intention to establish an Underwater Technology Centre in Poland. They aim to jointly manufacture and offer Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone. The parties also intend to explore opportunities for cooperation on a heavyweight torpedo project.

Cooperation between Saab and the Polish defence industry has been ongoing for years, with one of the clearest recent examples being the construction of SIGINT vessels under the “Delfin” programme. The two vessels are being built at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., with the Swedish group acting as the prime contractor. It is also worth recalling that one day before signing the agreement with PGZ S.A., the Naval Evolution of Research & Design (NERDS) symposium took place in Gdynia. During the event, Saab and the design office MMC Ship Design & Marine Consulting signed a cooperation agreement concerning the design of maritime vessels. The company was responsible for the designs of both the “Delfin” and “Ratownik” programmes.

In the case of PGZ S.A., the Swedish group signed another agreement with the company in March this year, outlining intentions for cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in Poland for submarines procured under the “Orka” programme. It should be recalled that at the end of November last year, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that the Swedish offer had been selected from among six bidders, specifically the A26 series submarines (Blekinge-class). The agreement for the delivery of three new submarines and the lease of an older A17-class vessel as an interim solution is expected to be concluded by the end of June this year.

In addition, the parties are also analysing further opportunities for cooperation on other projects. These include the development of defence technologies supporting multi-domain operations, as well as the production of mortar ammunition in Poland.

Photo Courtesy of Saab