Swedish defence and security company Saab and Polish defence group PGZ have signed a strategic collaboration agreement in the naval domain, the companies announced on 13 May.
This latest agreement builds on several collaborative actions the two companies have already undertaken together.
According to statements issued by both partners, under this new agreement, they will explore options for cooperation on service and lifecycle support of surface vessels and submarines; integrating PGZ naval entities into Saab’s supply chain; and export opportunities for surface and underwater platforms, including rescue vessels.
The move is part of strengthening strategic partnerships between the two countries.
In November 2025, Poland selected Saab to supply its new diesel-electric submarine (SSK), utilising Saab’s A26 design. Poland’s Orka SSK programme requires three vessels. A contract signing is anticipated in 2026.
In December 2025, the defence ministers of both countries signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic partnership to support the submarine purchase.
Saab and PGZ previously signed two agreements (in September 2025 and March 2026), which established frameworks for collaboration options concerning in-country submarine support. Operating and supporting the same type of vessel within the same region will provide notable operational, technological, capability, and logistical advantages.
Regarding specific technology collaboration, the latest agreement establishes a framework in which the two companies will explore joint options on Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone programme and heavyweight torpedoes.
“This agreement reflects a strong commitment to a deepening partnership between Polish and Swedish industry, while also contributing to enhanced security in the Baltic Sea and on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Micael Johansson, Saab’s president and chief executive officer (CEO), in Saab’s statement. He also noted the increasing speed of the cooperation between the two companies.
For PGZ, in its own statement, CEO Adam Leszkiewicz said, “Signing this strategic agreement with Saab confirms that the naval and underwater domain is becoming a key pillar of Polish–Swedish co-operation, both from a security and an industrial perspective.”
Russia’s growing underwater activity in and around the Baltic’s shallow, confined waters emphasises NATO’s need to enhance its submarine presence there. Saab’s A26 SSK is specifically designed for the operational conditions and requirements of the Baltic region. Two navies operating the same, region-specific submarine and collaborating to optimise its capabilities will offer significant benefit to both national and NATO objectives in this strategic context.
Saab’s statement also mentioned that the two companies are exploring collaborative opportunities beyond the naval sector.
by Dr. Lee Willett
