Poland’s Cabinet on Wednesday settled on Sweden to supply three submarines, marking the first major navy upgrade since the 1985 ORP Orzeł.
Cabinet Decision
On 26 November, Poland’s Cabinet agreed on cooperation with Sweden for submarine acquisition, covering three vessels.
Negotiations with Sweden
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz announced that Sweden offered a proposal meeting all expectations of the Polish Navy, and the Swedish side has committed to purchase Polish armaments.
Other Bids and Evaluation
The Orka program received proposals from seven manufacturers across six countries—Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and South Korea. Poland currently serves with a single, outdated ORP Orzeł built in 1985 in the USSR.
Historical Context
The aging submarine has required frequent repairs, and its eventual withdrawal would leave Poland without submarine capability.
Prime Minister’s Remarks
Prime Minister Donald Tusk hailed the deal as a “moment of exceptional importance,” emphasizing its impact on national security, ship‑building industry investment, and training schedules.
Next Steps
The government aims to finalize a bilateral agreement this year; further details are pending.