FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces have signed an agreement on the implementation of Sweden’s lease of the submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland. The agreement includes, among other things, training of the Polish submarine crew, preparations for the lease and support during the lease period.
The lease of HMS Södermanland is an intergovernmental deal between Sweden and Poland. FMV represents the Swedish state in the deal. In June 2026, Sweden and Poland signed an agreement on the lease of HMS Södermanland, including weapons, logistical support and training. The new agreement between FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces establishes the Swedish Armed Forces’ commitments to carry out training and maintenance.
The agreement is an important step in the work of preparing HMS Södermanland for the lease to Poland. It is about both completing the submarine and ensuring that the Polish crew receives the training and support required, says Fredrik Lindén, Head of Naval Equipment at FMV.
Education and preparation
FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces are working to complete HMS Södermanland for the lease. The training of around 30 Polish submarine sailors began in Karlskrona in August 2026 and is expected to last for 18 months. The training will begin at the Naval War College and then continue at the First Submarine Flotilla with a focus on HMS Södermanland.
The submarine is planned to provide Poland with operational submarine capabilities from 2028 and will serve as a temporary solution, a so-called gap-filler, while waiting for the country’s new submarines. The lease is planned to last until 2032. During this period, FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces will support the Polish Navy with maintenance and upkeep.
Three new A26 submarines
In parallel with the work on HMS Södermanland, cooperation on Poland’s future submarine capability continues. In June 2026, Saab signed a separate contract with the Polish procurement authority for the delivery of three new A26 submarines. The contract is worth approximately SEK 47 billion and includes weapons, training and support. Deliveries will take place gradually, with final delivery planned for 2038.
