Training of Polish submariners to commence after the summer
In November 2025, Poland announced its selection of Sweden as the supplier for three new A26-class submarines. As Poland’s sole current submarine is an aging Russian Kilo-class vessel, this transition represents a significant technological leap. To prepare and train the Polish crews on modern submarine systems, a training program is scheduled to take place in Karlskrona, leveraged by the expertise of Swedish submarine personnel. Additionally, plans are underway for Poland to lease the submarine HMS Södermanland from the Swedish Armed Forces.
There has been close cooperation between the nations during the spring.
Photo: Alexander Carlsson
HMS Södermanland is a modern Swedish submarine equipped with weapons and sensors tailored for the unique Baltic Sea environment, while maintaining the capability to operate in the Atlantic Ocean or the Norwegian Sea. The submarine features an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system that generates onboard electricity, enabling extended submerged endurance—making it an excellent training platform. The vessel is currently being finalized by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab ahead of the upcoming lease.
Training in Karlskrona
Planning for the training is fully underway, with extensive bilateral engagements between the submarine personnel of both nations. Lieutenant Commander (OF-3) Joakim Sjöström serves as the project manager for the training of Polish submarine crews at the First Submarine Flotilla.
The training of Polish submariners is planned by Joakim Sjöström at the First Submarine Flotilla.
Photo: Sofia Löveborn"This is a highly compelling project with a compressed timeline, and we are currently planning the upcoming training of our Polish submarine colleagues. This program will lay the foundation for future mutual exchanges and the development of submarine warfare capabilities in our immediate vicinity, which is highly positive."
"The training is scheduled to commence in August 2026, ahead of the original timeline. Polish submarine technicians will be the first to begin instruction, as a submarine is highly complex and demands deep technical expertise. Submarine safety, submarine rescue, and weapons handling comprise other critical areas necessary for effective submarine operations. In addition to the formal curriculum, Polish submarine personnel have been embedded aboard Swedish submarines over the past year—a practice that will continue, moving forward.
Proven track record in foreign military training
Sweden possesses extensive experience in training foreign submarine personnel. Previous iterations include the training of four submarine crews for Australia alongside the sale of six new submarines; four Singaporean crews alongside the sale of five Sjöormen-class submarines; and one Danish crew coupled with the lease of the submarine HMS Näcken to Denmark. The most recent program involved training
two Singaporean crews, followed by the sale of the submarines
HMS Västergötland and HMS Hälsingland to Singapore.
A strategic partnership
Defence procurement of this magnitude, such as ordering submarines, extends beyond a mere commercial transaction. Captain (OF-5) Kenth Gutensparr is the Swedish project manager for the overarching program.
"Throughout the spring, the Polish and Swedish Navies have developed a comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership within the submarine and underwater warfare domains. This collaboration will rapidly enhance both national and NATO capabilities in the Baltic Sea region, thereby contributing to regional security.