Poland to finalize submarine deal by year-end under strategic Orka program

Poland is set to move forward with its long-anticipated submarine procurement plan this week, with the first purchases expected to be made by the end of 2025, Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed.

Speaking to reporters at the Ustka military training ground on the Baltic Sea, Tusk outlined the government's timeline for advancing the Orka program, a major defence initiative aimed at modernising Poland’s naval capabilities and bolstering its strategic position within NATO, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"We will adopt a resolution that commits to purchasing submarines by the end of this year. The bids have been reviewed, and now the Polish government will decide who will be the program's partner," Tusk said.

The program envisions the acquisition of three modern submarines as part of broader efforts to upgrade undersea warfare capacity, especially in light of increasing regional security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Poland sees the enhancement of its naval fleet as essential for national defence and deeper interoperability with NATO allies.

Leading contenders for the multi-billion-dollar contract include Germany, Italy, and Sweden — all NATO and European Union member states.

Earlier this month, Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) to support the modernisation of the Polish Navy, with specific reference to the Orka submarine acquisition programme.

In addition, South Korean defence contractor Hanwha Ocean remains in the competition, having bolstered its proposal in June by offering a comprehensive financing arrangement, in an effort to strengthen its bid to supply submarines to Poland.

By Vafa Guliyeva