Poland has decided to purchase three A26 submarines from Saab Kockums, bolstering the Swedish defense firm and enhancing Baltic Sea security. The deal, worth several billion kronor, is set to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026. Experts say it reduces the risk of Russian attacks through greater deterrence.
Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Europe has ramped up defenses at a record pace, with Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Swedish firm Saab has emerged as a key player, selling weapons systems worth billions of kronor. One standout deal is Poland's November 26, 2025, decision to buy three A26 submarines from Saab Kockums, with Poland's defense minister targeting a contract in the second quarter of 2026.
Hans Liwång, professor of defense systems at the Swedish Defence University, describes the submarines as niche for the Baltic Sea: 'Saab and Sweden have long said that the Swedish submarines are made for the Baltic Sea. That has made them niche, and they have not been a big international success in the 00s and 10s. But right now, it's an advantage. Poland is a typical country where a submarine adapted for the Baltic Sea is very interesting.' Poland is leading regional rearmament and shares geographic and political ties with Sweden, both NATO members focused on northern Europe.
The deal bolsters Saab's order backlog, which reached over 202 billion kronor in September, while enhancing regional security. SVT Nyheter analyst John Granlund notes that Poland's submarine decision reduces the risk of Russian attacks in the Baltic Sea: 'The more afraid Russia is of submarine attacks – the less the risk of Russian attacks at sea.' Poland becomes the first country to buy new Swedish-built submarines, boosting underwater deterrence.
Saab has secured major contracts since 2022, including Gripen jets to Colombia for over 34 billion kronor and radar systems to the US and UK. The Poland submarine deal stands out as strategically vital for both economy and security.