The Polish Ministry of Defense has named Saab’s A26 submarine as the winning candidate to replace its aging Kilo-class platform, moving forward with one of Europe’s most closely watched naval procurement programs. Saab’s offering outperformed proposals from major global shipbuilders, including Naval Group, TKMS, Fincantieri, Hanwha Ocean, and Navantia. While the formal agreement is still pending, Poland intends to acquire three A26 submarines under the Orca program, a deal expected to exceed 10 billion złoty ($2.52 billion).
The 65-meter Blekinge-class submarine displaces roughly 2,000 tonnes on the surface and is crewed by 26 sailors, with additional capacity for special forces or mission specialists. The design incorporates Stirling-based air-independent propulsion, giving the vessel more than 18 days of submerged endurance—crucial for stealth missions in the heavily monitored Baltic Sea.
Purpose-built for multi-domain maritime operations, the A26 supports unmanned underwater vehicle deployment, minelaying missions, ISR collection, and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Saab emphasizes the platform’s ultra-low acoustic signature, which enables covert maneuvering in environments packed with sonar arrays, turning the submarine into a discreet surveillance and deterrence asset.
The A26’s weapons suite includes long-range missiles and precision torpedoes capable of engaging targets below and above the surface, as well as onshore. Complementing its strike capabilities, the submarine incorporates advanced soft-kill technologies, including electronic warfare features designed to disrupt hostile communications and sensor networks. The selection positions Poland to field a modern, stealth-optimized submarine fleet aligned with NATO maritime requirements.
