The Orka program, which has remained one of the most important modernization priorities of the Polish navy for years, is still awaiting finalization. In the current phase, offers were submitted from six countries, including Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and South Korea. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has repeatedly emphasized that the decision on the selection of the manufacturer will be made this year. In September, the government adopted a resolution according to which the selection of the partner will be of an intergovernmental and strategic nature.
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The Swedish offer, prepared by the Saab concern, concerns modern A26 Blekinge-class submarines. According to diplomatic sources from Great Britain and Sweden, this proposal enjoys political support from London, which is already cooperating with Poland in the construction of frigates under the Miecznik program. British companies Babcock and Thales are providing key technologies for this project.
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The Swedish proposal also includes bridging solutions that are intended to ensure that Polish sailors can continue training in a situation when the only Polish submarine, ORP Orzeł, is withdrawn and the new units are not yet ready for service. Saab CEO Micael Johansson drew attention to the technical advantages of the A26 units, which are designed to operate in shallow waters of the Baltic Sea. Their propulsion systems minimize noise, making them almost undetectable, while allowing them to hide on the seabed for up to several weeks. These ships can also operate in deep waters, making them versatile in securing intercontinental routes.
The A26's armament includes the ability to launch torpedoes of various calibers, lay sea mines and transport an additional 11 people in addition to the crew. Johansson also declared his readiness to involve the Polish industry in the construction of ships, although it should be noted that the implementation of Swedish orders is delayed, and the first units are to be delivered to the Swedish Navy only at the beginning of the next decade.
In September, the government adopted a resolution according to which the decision on the selection of a partner in the Orka program will be the result of cooperation between the ministries of defense, state assets, finance and economy. Government spokesman Adam Szłapka explained that the aim is to create a recommendation that takes into account both the needs of the army and the benefits for Polish industry, including technology transfer. He emphasized that all offers are analyzed according to the same criteria, without preferences for any manufacturer.
The Orka program, which assumes the purchase of three modern submarines, is crucial for the Polish Navy, which currently has one obsolete ship, ORP Orzeł, built in 1985 in the USSR. If it were withdrawn from service, Polish sailors would be left without the opportunity to train on this type of units. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that sailors who, despite difficulties, maintain operational capabilities on submarines deserve recognition and modern equipment.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured in June that the selection of new submarines would be made carefully, without succumbing to external pressure.. – No lobbying will influence this decision – said the head of government.
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The Orka program, reactivated in 2023 by the then Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, attracted 11 entities from Europe and South Korea. The preliminary assessments of the Armament Agency indicated the highest marks for offers from Germany, Sweden and Italy, although none of the proposals was excluded..
The final decision on the selection of the manufacturer is expected to be made later this year.
