Introduction

In Sweden, the Saab group has announced that the Swedish Government’s offer for the A26 submarines has been chosen by the Warsaw Government to replace the only Kilo-class submarine currently in service, the ORP “Orzeł” (291).

The Swedish Offer

The Swedish government’s offer includes the A26 submarines designed by Saab, equipped with the most recent innovations and technologies.

The Swedish proposal involves collaboration with Polish industry and the transfer of knowledge, promising a strategic partnership between Poland and Sweden.

Saab has specified that, at present, it has not signed any contract nor received any order regarding the A26 submarines for Poland.

Next Steps

Saab and the Försvarets materielverk (FMV), Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, will now follow the subsequent stages of the procurement process together with the Polish authorities.

The Orka Program of the Polish Navy

The Orka program of the Polish Navy stipulates that the new submarines must have the capability to attack surface and submarine targets with torpedoes, engage surface targets with missiles, and strike long-distance land targets with missile systems.

These submarines are expected to have the capability to attack flying and hovering helicopters and low-flying maritime patrol aircraft with surface-to-air missiles and be able to counter enemy torpedoes with hard kill/soft kill countermeasures.

The Orka program submarines will be equipped with modern air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to enhance operational capability underwater and will be able to accommodate and deploy Special Forces teams with their equipment.

In addition, the new submarines will be used for laying minefields or as platforms to carry out ISR missions through ROV/UUV and AUUV.

Source and image credit @Saab