The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed an agreement with the Polish procurement authority to lease the submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland between October 2026 and October 2032. The lease will support the training of Polish submarine crews ahead of the introduction of the new A26 submarines.
The agreement was signed between FMV and Poland's Armament Agency at a ceremony in Gdynia (northern Poland). The lease is part of the deepened defence cooperation between Sweden and Poland in connection with Poland's order for three A26 submarines from Saab.
"Sweden is now entering into an extensive submarine cooperation with Poland. The lease of Södermanland enables the training of Polish personnel on our Swedish submarine system while they carry out missions in the Baltic Sea," says FMV Director General Mikael Granholm in the press release.
According to FMV, Poland has an immediate operational need for a submarine in order to meet NATO capability targets and prepare for the introduction of the new A26 submarines. The country's only current submarine is an older Russian Kilo-class vessel, which represents a significant technical step up to the new submarine system.
FMV states that Polish crews will be trained in Sweden and that HMS Södermanland will simultaneously contribute to maintaining and developing Polish submarine capability until the new submarines are delivered.