Poland has selected Sweden’s Saab A26B submarine for its “Orka” program, opting for a comprehensive defense package valued at approximately 7조5000억원 won, according to reports from South Korean media including Naver News. The deal prioritizes a strategic partnership that includes the lease of an existing A17 submarine to bridge immediate capability gaps, alongside long-term agreements for weaponry, training, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
The decision comes after a competitive bidding process where South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries offered advanced KSS-III class submarines. Despite South Korean bids reportedly offering lower prices and faster delivery timelines, the Polish Ministry of National Defense prioritized a broader industrial and operational package offered by Sweden.
The Orka program aims to modernize the Polish Navy’s underwater capabilities to secure the Baltic Sea. While South Korea has successfully exported its KSS-III technology to other partners, the Swedish offer’s inclusion of immediate operational assets and a wider scope of military integration proved decisive for Warsaw’s current security requirements.
Why Sweden Won the Poland Submarine Contract Over South Korea
The selection of the A26B submarine over South Korean alternatives centered on a “package deal” strategy rather than a simple price-per-unit comparison. According to reports on the procurement process, Sweden’s offer included the lease of an A17 submarine, which allows Poland to maintain naval presence and train crews while the new A26B fleet is being constructed.
South Korean firms focused on the technical superiority and delivery speed of the KSS-III, which is known for its stealth and potential for Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) or lithium-ion battery systems. However, the Swedish proposal integrated the purchase of submarines with a wider array of military cooperation, including the acquisition of Polish-made weapons by Sweden and joint MRO initiatives. This reciprocal trade arrangement created a strategic incentive for the Polish government that exceeded the cost savings offered by the Korean bids.
The total value of the Swedish package is estimated at 7조5000억원 won. This figure encompasses not only the hull construction but the entire lifecycle of the fleet, including the aforementioned lease and the training of Polish naval personnel in Sweden.
Comparing the A26B and KSS-III Capabilities
The Saab A26B is specifically designed for the challenging environments of the Baltic Sea, characterized by shallow waters and complex littoral zones. Swedish engineers emphasize the A26B’s ability to operate in these “brown water” environments, which aligns with Poland’s primary geographic defense needs. According to Saab, the A26B focuses on high stealth and the ability to carry a wide range of payloads, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
In contrast, the South Korean KSS-III is a larger, more versatile platform designed for blue-water operations. It is widely recognized for its advanced combat systems and the ability to launch cruise missiles, a capability that offers greater strategic reach. While the KSS-III is often cited as being faster and more cost-effective in terms of production speed, the Polish Navy’s specific requirement for Baltic-centric littoral warfare favored the Swedish design.
The “gap filler” strategy remains a critical differentiator. By leasing an A17, Poland avoids a “capability vacuum” that would occur during the multi-year construction phase of any new submarine class. South Korean firms did not offer a similar immediate-use lease option, leaving a temporary void in Poland’s underwater deterrence that the Swedish deal solves.
The Strategic Impact on South Korean Defense Exports
This loss marks a rare setback for South Korea’s “K-Defense” momentum in Europe. Following the massive success of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers in Poland, the submarine contract was expected to be the next major win for Seoul. The outcome suggests that while South Korean hardware is competitive on price and performance, European nations may prioritize deep industrial integration and immediate operational readiness over long-term procurement efficiency.
Industry analysts note that the Polish decision reflects a shift toward “total package” procurement. The Swedish deal’s inclusion of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and the purchase of Polish weaponry by Sweden creates a symbiotic economic relationship. This prevents the procurement from being a one-way financial drain on the Polish budget and instead fosters a bilateral defense industry.
For Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the result highlights the need to evolve export strategies beyond the “fast and cheap” model to include flexible operational solutions, such as leasing or joint venture production facilities within the buyer’s country.
What Happens Next for the Polish Navy
The next phase involves the formalization of the contract and the transfer of the leased A17 submarine to Polish crews. Once the lease is active, Poland will begin the phased induction of the A26B fleet. The timeline for the first commissioned A26B remains subject to the final agreement between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and Saab.
Poland is expected to establish dedicated MRO facilities to service the Swedish fleet, ensuring that the maintenance of these vessels occurs domestically. This move is intended to increase Poland’s naval autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign shipyards for routine repairs.
Official updates regarding the delivery schedule and the specific number of vessels in the initial order are expected to be released by the Polish government upon the signing of the final procurement documents.
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