Poland has now formally completed the purchase of three Swedish A26 submarines from Saab. The deal, which also includes training, weapon systems, and technical support, amounts to nearly 50 billion kronor.

The announcement was presented by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) together with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday. According to a press release, the purchase will “counter Russia’s ability to expand its power and cause harm,” the government writes on its website.

“As close partners in the Baltic Sea, Poland and Sweden will deepen their cooperation to strengthen security throughout the region. Our cooperation is based on a shared view of the long-term threat posed by Russia and the importance of continuing to support Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The submarine purchase itself is worth about 47 billion kronor. In addition, Poland will lease the submarine HMS Södermanland from Sweden until the first new submarine is delivered.

“With our combined capabilities, the Baltic Sea has never been so well defended,” said Kristersson.

The leasing solution will give the Polish navy the opportunity to train crews and build expertise in the Swedish submarine system even before the new vessels are put into service.

The first A26 submarine is expected to be delivered in 2032. After that, the plan is for two more submarines to be handed over in 2034 and 2038, respectively.

To meet the delivery schedule, Sweden and Poland have agreed on a special solution for production. The first submarine Saab completes will go to the Swedish navy, the second to Poland, and the third back to Sweden before the remaining Polish orders are delivered.

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Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M), who was also present, emphasizes that the leasing of HMS Södermanland is not expected to weaken Sweden’s military capability. According to him, the deal strengthens the defense of both countries by allowing them to use the same submarine system, share experiences, and develop joint methods.

“It strengthens both Poland and Sweden, but also NATO and the alliance’s northern flank.”

The submarine deal is also part of a broader collaboration between Sweden and Poland. Under the name Baltic Sea Pact, the countries will deepen cooperation in security, defense, and the defense industry with the aim of strengthening stability in the Baltic Sea region and increasing resilience to security threats.

The new submarines will be built at Saab’s shipyards in Karlskrona and Landskrona. The project also involves long-term cooperation regarding service and maintenance in Poland, where hundreds of companies are expected to participate as subcontractors. According to the Polish government, the initiative is expected to create around 7,000 new jobs in the country.