The Polish government has decided where to acquire three submarines for the Orka program.

Sweden presented the best offer and has been selected as Poland’s partner in the program to purchase new submarines for the Navy – announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on Wednesday. “I hope for an intergovernmental agreement by the end of the year,” he added.

The Council of Ministers decided on Wednesday to select the country that will supply three submarines for the Polish Navy.

At a press conference following the government meeting, Kosiniak-Kamysz said that offers from six countries submitted in the Orka program were thoroughly analyzed by an inter-ministerial team, and ultimately the one presented by Sweden was deemed the best. Sweden is offering Poland A26 Blekinge-class submarines. The Defence Minister assessed that these are submarines best suited for operations in the Baltic Sea.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the offer also involves additional investments in Polish industry – including equipping Polish shipyards with competencies to service the submarines, as well as Sweden’s commitment to purchase Polish armaments.

Sweden’s offer also includes a so-called gap filler, meaning an interim solution before the completed submarines enter service with the Navy – from 2027, Polish sailors are to gain access to a training submarine that is more modern than the worn-out ORP Orzeł.