Poland procures three A26 submarines from Saab following talks with Swedish Government
Published
On 29 June, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Gdynia, Poland for government-level talks. The meeting focused on strengthened bilateral cooperation between Sweden and Poland in the areas of regional security and defence. Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand, Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson and Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz also took part on the trip.
The visit began with a bilateral meeting between Mr Kristersson and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The state secretaries met in parallel with their Polish counterparts. In conjunction with their talks, the two leaders held a joint press conference.
In the press conference, the news that the ORKA submarine agreement had been signed by Sweden and Poland was announced. This means that Poland has selected Sweden as a partner in its submarine programme and will procure three A26 submarines from Saab. The agreement is a significant step in strengthening Poland’s maritime capability, while also helping the countries deepen their collaboration on security and industrial policy.
A Baltic Sea Pact was also launched – deepened bilateral security and defence cooperation based on the strategic partnership that began in November 2024.
In addition, Ms Malmer Stenergard met with Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski. Their discussion topics included cooperation between Poland and Sweden, the Baltic Sea Pact and European security, with focus on the Baltic Sea region, support to Ukraine and working to counter Russia. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East.
Mr Jonson had a meeting with Poland’s Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Their meeting focused on the countries’ close and growing cooperation as NATO Allies and EU Members, and in defence of the Baltic Sea region.
Mr Liljestrand was also on the trip and had a bilateral meeting with her Polish counterpart, Minister of Culture and National Heritage Marta Cienkowska. The importance of strengthening cultural and creative industries in both countries, promoting reading, exchanging experience and learning from each other’s work was underscored.
Mr Carlson met with his Polish counterpart Dariusz Klimczak to highlight the strong cooperation on infrastructure in the areas of shipping and energy, and how cooperation on transport can continue to be deepened. At the meeting, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding on deeper Baltic Sea cooperation.
The EU’s competitiveness, respect for the rule of law and the upcoming long-term budget were on the agenda. Ms Rosencrantz also had a bilateral meeting with Poland’s Undersecretary of State Artur Harazim, who is responsible for bilateral relations with other EU Member States.
