— Choosing the Swedish offer is not only a purchasing decision, but a key element in building a new security architecture in the Baltic Sea basin, proposed by Poland. This is another step in creating an economic and military macro-region of cooperating countries, strengthening the defense capabilities and strategic resilience of the entire region – says Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz for Business Insider Polska.
— Military spending, based on industrial partnership and technology transfer, will actually build the Polish economy, generating orders for our companies, including small and medium-sized ones, which are the foundation of Poland's economic strength and innovation, adds the Minister of Defense.
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Poland has chosen Sweden as a supplier of new submarines. The government decided that the Navy would receive three A26 Blekinge units. The purchase cost is estimated at approximately PLN 10 billion.
The offer also includes investments in the Polish shipbuilding industry. The Swedes agreed to equip Polish shipyards with the competences necessary to service ships and purchase Polish weapons. As part of the agreement, Sweden declared the purchase of military equipment produced in Poland, including a rescue ship similar to those currently being built in domestic shipyards for the Navy.
New submarines for Poland. What does the Swedish offer include?
An important element of the Swedish proposal is the so-called gap filler, i.e. a bridging solution that will enable Polish sailors to train on a modern ship before the delivery of the target units. From 2027, the Polish crew will be able to use the new training ship, and in 2026 theoretical training will begin.
The Minister of National Defense announced that the signing of an executive contract for the supply of submarines is possible in the second quarter of next year. He noted, however, that the delivery of the first unit will have to wait until 2030, which is why it is so important to properly prepare the crew.
Read also: The Navy is waiting for a breakthrough. New submarines are getting closer
The Swedish ambassador to Poland, Martina Quick, in a statement after the announcement of the decision, emphasized that this is a moment of great importance for Polish-Swedish relations and for security in the Baltic Sea. She pointed out that Sweden's offer also assumes the participation of Great Britain as a technological partner that will provide cutting-edge solutions.
Orka program – a key modernization of the Navy
The Orka program is one of the most important modernization projects of the Polish Navy, which has been implemented for several years. It assumes the purchase of three new submarines. In the current edition of the program, offers were submitted by producers from six countries: Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and South Korea. A total of seven producers applied, and the Swedish offer was supported by the British government.
The Swedish proposal envisages the delivery of three A26 Blekinge ships, manufactured by the Saab-Kockums shipyard. The first units of this type are currently being built for the Swedish Navy, although the implementation of the order placed in 2015 has encountered delays. Deliveries to Sweden are planned for 2027-2028. The A26 Blekinge ships are characterized by a modular design, diesel-electric drive and an AIP system that allows for long-term immersion.
Read also: The UK supports the Swedish offer in the Orka program
The basic armament of these ships is 533 mm torpedo launchers and a dock enabling the launching of underwater unmanned aircraft and the secret transportation of special forces.
