Poland Picks Sweden for Major Submarine Deal Under Orka Program — A Boost for Baltic Defense
Poland has chosen Sweden’s Saab to deliver three submarines as part of its €2.36B Orka program, marking a major modernization step for the Polish Navy and a strategic upgrade to NATO’s presence in the Baltic.
Poland has chosen Sweden’s Saab to supply three submarines under its Orka program—an estimated €2.36 billion ($2.6B) contract that will significantly strengthen Poland’s undersea capabilities in the Baltic.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the decision on Wednesday, calling the procurement a strategic upgrade to Poland’s naval forces and a critical modernization step. The submarines are expected to incorporate advanced stealth, sensor, and strike capabilities—designed specifically for contested environments like the Baltic.
Poland’s defense spending has surged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Warsaw undertaking the largest military build-up in its modern history —high-volume acquisitions of tanks, artillery, aircraft, and now submarines. Officials familiar with the program say Orka is among Poland’s most consequential defense projects yet, positioning the Polish Navy for long-term deterrence and interoperability with NATO maritime operations.
A formal contract signing and production timeline are expected to follow in the coming months.
