Orka submarine program enters new phase with Poland–Sweden MoU

December 18, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Poland and Sweden have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation related to the acquisition of submarines under Poland’s Orka program.

As informed, the MoU was signed by Minister for Defense Pål Jonson and Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on December 17, 2025, in Warsaw.

The MoU solidifies the Polish-Swedish cooperation on submarines and lays the foundations for continued negotiations, the officials noted.

“Together, Sweden and Poland have the tools to substantially bolster security in the Baltic Sea region, and we value our close cooperation with Poland,” said Jonson.

In November this year, Poland announced that it would partner with Sweden on its submarine program. Sweden proposed Saab’s design of next-generation A26 submarines.

Poland picks Sweden’s A26 submarines for its navy fleet, deal still pending

Vessels

Now, the two defense ministers took the next step by signing a memorandum of understanding as a basis for further negotiations.

Poland is purchasing three Orka submarines under the program. Once a contract is signed, the Polish-Swedish submarine deal will be one of Sweden’s largest ever naval export deals and is expected to lead to increased defense cooperation between the two countries. This means that together, Sweden and Poland will be able to take greater responsibility for security in the Baltic Sea.