# Sweden Leases Submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland
- Published: 2026-06-29
- Author: Jacob Wollheim
- Type: News · Section: Industry · Country: sweden
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/sweden-leases-the-submarine-hms-sodermanland-to-poland.md)
- Primary source: https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-ingar-avtal-med-polen-om-uthyrning-av-ubat/
- Tags: hms södermanland, a26, saab, fmv, polen, sverige, nato, kilo-class, armament agency, gdynia, poland, sweden, polish armament agency, baltic sea

> FMV has signed an agreement to lease the submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland between 2026 and 2032, as part of the deepened defence cooperation in connection with Poland's order of three A26 submarines from Saab. The lease is intended to enable the training of Polish submarine crews and strengthen Poland's operational capability ahead of the transition to the new submarine system.

![Illustrative image](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/6c373c16-6513-4b52-9a60-542f32fba800/public)
*Illustrative image · Sofia Löveborn / Försvarsmakten*

**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](https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/poland-orders-three-a26-submarines-from-saab) 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.

## FAQ

**When will Sweden lease HMS Södermanland to Poland and how long does the agreement last?**

The leasing of HMS Södermanland runs from October 2026 to October 2032, a total of six years. The agreement was signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Poland's Armament Agency at a ceremony in Gdynia. During this period, Polish crews will be trained on the Swedish submarine system. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-29.

**Why does Poland need to lease a Swedish submarine ahead of the delivery of the A26 submarines?**

Poland has an immediate operational need for a submarine in order to meet NATO's capability targets. The country's only current submarine is an older Russian Kilo-class vessel, which represents a significant technological leap to the three A26 submarines ordered from Saab. HMS Södermanland is intended to bridge this gap and prepare Polish crews. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-29.

**What does FMV's agreement with Poland's Armament Agency regarding HMS Södermanland entail?**

The agreement means that FMV will lease the submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland as part of the deepened defence cooperation linked to Poland's order for three A26 submarines. Polish crews will be trained in Sweden, while the submarine simultaneously helps maintain Polish submarine capability in the Baltic Sea. FMV's Director-General Mikael Granholm describes it as extensive submarine cooperation. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-29.

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