TSAMTO, October 16. On October 15, the Swedish Armed Forces ITO Agency (FMV) announced the signing of an agreement with the command of the Swedish Armed Forces regarding the implementation of the process of leasing the Sodermanland submarine to Poland.
The document, in particular, provides for the training of the Polish crew, carrying out preparatory measures before the transfer of the submarine, as well as its technical support throughout the lease period.
Sodermanland leasing is carried out within the framework of an intergovernmental agreement between Sweden and Poland. At the same time, FMV acts as a representative of the Swedish state. The agreement between FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces defines the obligations of the latter to organize training for Polish specialists and maintenance of the submarine.
As stated, the agreement is an important step in preparing Sodermanland for transfer to Poland. It includes both the refinement of the submarine itself and the provision of training for the Polish crew.
The purpose of the lease is to supply Poland, starting in 2028, with a combat-ready submarine for an interim period until the delivery of new submarines. The lease term is calculated until 2032. During this time, the FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces will provide support to the Polish Navy in the maintenance of the submarine.
Currently, FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces are working to prepare Sodermanland for leasing. The training of about 30 Polish submariners began in Karlskrona in August 2026 and is expected to last 18 months. At the first stage, training will be carried out at the Naval Warfare Center, and then will continue as part of the 1st Flotilla of submarines of the Swedish Navy.
The Sodermanland submarine joined the Swedish Navy in 1989 and has since undergone several stages of modernization (the last of which was recently completed under a 2022 contract).
As reported by CAMTO, on June 29, 2026, the Polish Defense Ministry's Armament Agency signed a package of contracts under the Orka program, providing for the supply of three new naval submarines to the Polish Navy.
For example, the Arms Agency has signed a contract with Saab worth about 47 billion. The Swede. kronor ($4.8 billion) for the supply of three submarines built on the basis of the A26 Blekinge class NPL project, related weapons, logistics support and training packages.
The Polish Armaments Agency MNR has signed an agreement with FMV worth about 1.9 billion. The Swede. kronor ($194 million), which provides for leasing a Sodermanland class A17 submarine, including related equipment, armament, support and training. According to plans, the Stirling air-independent propulsion submarine will be transferred to the Polish Navy in 2027 after completing the training of Polish submariners. The NAF will be part of the Polish Navy under the Polish flag until the first new submarine is commissioned.
The delivery of new submarines will be carried out in stages until 2038. The delivery process of the first NPS will begin in 2031, and its full transfer will be completed in 2032. The training of the Polish Navy crew on a leased submarine will allow the full range of tests of the new NAF with a Polish crew on board.
