Polish Crews to Start Training in Sweden This Summer

Why It Matters

Securing an interim submarine and early crew training safeguards Poland’s maritime deterrence and accelerates operational readiness for the forthcoming A26 fleet, reinforcing NATO’s Baltic posture.

Key Takeaways

• Poland leases Sweden's HMS Södermanland as interim submarine.
• Training for Polish crews starts August 2026 at Karlskrona base.
• A26 submarine program valued at ~26 bn SEK ($2.4 bn) under ORKA.
• New A26 deliveries delayed to 2031‑33, extending readiness timeline.

Pulse Analysis

Poland’s decision to lease Sweden’s HMS Södermanland reflects a pragmatic response to a growing capability gap in its under‑sea fleet. The ORKA programme, which will eventually deliver three state‑of‑the‑art A26 submarines, represents a $2.4 billion investment that also deepens defence ties between Warsaw and Stockholm. By securing an older, yet operational, platform, Poland ensures continuous submarine presence in the Baltic, a region where naval deterrence is increasingly critical amid heightened Russian activity.

The training partnership leverages Sweden’s seasoned Naval Warfare Centre in Karlskrona, where Polish technicians, engineers and future commanders will undergo hands‑on instruction starting August 2026. This early exposure to submarine systems, maintenance protocols and rescue procedures is designed to bridge the technological leap from the legacy Kilo‑class ORP Orzeł to the sophisticated A26. The lease also provides Poland with a platform to refine its logistics chain and sustainment capabilities, essential for operating the forthcoming modular submarines.

Strategically, the arrangement bolsters NATO’s collective security posture in the Baltic Sea. A ready‑to‑operate Polish submarine force contributes to a layered defence that deters aggression and enhances interoperability among alliance members. Moreover, the industrial cooperation embedded in the ORKA deal—spanning weapons integration, shipyard work and crew training—signals a long‑term partnership that could spur further joint projects, reinforcing the region’s defence industrial base as the A26 deliveries, now slated for 2031‑33, approach.