Saab has today signed a contract with the Polish State Treasury Armaments Agency and received an order to produce and deliver three A26-type submarines. The contract also encompasses a weapon package and a training and support package. The order value corresponds to approximately SEK 47 billion. Saab will deliver continuously, with the final deliveries scheduled during 2038.
Saab’s A26 submarine is designed to meet the demanding operational conditions of the Baltic Sea and engineered specifically to operate in complete silence and remain undetected. A submarine significantly contributes to naval Multi Domain Operations through its freedom of movement, stealth and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
“We are deeply honoured that Poland has chosen Saab’s submarines to bolster its defence capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two nations. The three A26 submarines meet Poland’s current and future defence requirements and will play a pivotal role in enhancing security in the Baltic Sea region,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
To support the contract and the Polish Navy´s operation of the submarines, Saab is committed to establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Poland in close collaboration with Polish industry, thereby supporting strategic autonomy for Poland.
Poland will operate the Swedish submarine HMS Södermanland as a gap filler stated in a separate agreement between Poland and Sweden.
About A26 Submarine
The A26 submarine, also known as the Blekinge class, is a next-generation diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) developed by Saab through its Kockums division for the Swedish Navy. It is designed for stealth, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, special operations, and mine-laying. Modular design for easier upgrades over its service life.
Key specifications
- Length: ~65 m
- Displacement: About 2,000 tonnes (surfaced)
- Crew: Approximately 26, with capacity for additional personnel
- Endurance: Up to 45 days on patrol
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric with Stirling Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods without snorkeling.
The A26 submarine is the only conventional submarine in the world with a very low acoustic signature, making it difficult to detect.
A multi-mission portal, a large lock-out chamber that enables deployment and recovery of special forces, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), divers and other payloads, advanced sonar, combat management, and electronic warfare systems.
The A26 is designed to carry heavyweight torpedoes, naval mines, and anti-ship or land-attack missiles, depending on customer requirements.
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