Poland has selected Saab’s A26 submarine as the preferred replacement for its last remaining Kilo-class boat. The Swedish design outperformed proposals from France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain. Although the contract is still pending, Warsaw plans to procure three submarines under the Orca program, estimated at about 10 billion zloty ($2.52 billion). The 65-meter Blekinge-class features a 2,000-ton displacement, Stirling AIP, and capacity for up to 35 personnel. Its long endurance, low acoustic signature, and ability to deploy UUVs support missions such as minelaying, surveillance, and anti-surface or anti-submarine warfare. With long-range torpedoes and missile options, the A26 delivers land-attack and sea-target engagement while incorporating electronic “soft-kill” systems to disrupt enemy sensors and communications.
