Poland has signed a $4.8-billion contract with Sweden to acquire three A-26 Blekinge-class submarines, built to Saab’s A26 design, to strengthen its navy against Russian pressure.

The bid process saw contenders including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and South Korea, with TKMS proposing the U212 CD design.

The deal includes a full armaments package, comprehensive training, logistics, and the necessary infrastructure to bring the submarines into service.

Delivery is planned from 2031 to 2038, with the first submarine due in 2031 and the remaining two arriving by 2038.

The submarines are described as fifth-generation, designed for Baltic Sea operations, capable of supporting both naval and special forces missions.

The Saab A26 Blekinge design features diesel-electric propulsion with air-independent propulsion, enabling extended underwater endurance.

The agreement was signed in Gdynia during Poland–Sweden government consultations and covers delivery, logistics, personnel training, and infrastructure readiness for induction.

Poland aims to strengthen its navy amid perceived Russian threats, seeking to create one of NATO’s stronger fleets, despite currently operating only one older Soviet-era submarine.

The submarines are intended to bolster deterrence and maritime capabilities in regional security terms.

The total value of the deal is about €4.5 billion, with the first submarine delivered in 2030 and the other two in subsequent years.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) bid for the contract but was not awarded the deal.

The contract was signed in Gdynia by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.