Three bidders in play for Poland’s Orka submarine program

In an update on its acquisition programs for the Polish Navy, Poland’s defense ministry on December 29 said that three European contractors have been shortlisted for the country’s Orka submarine program.

Poland is looking to acquire three new submarines to replace its remaining three, old Koben-class submarines.

The country’s defense ministry said it has received offers from Germany, Sweden and France.

French shipbuilder Naval Group is proposing its Scorpene type submarines the MBDA-built naval cruise missile MdCN (Missile de Croisière Naval) in its submarine version.

Germany’s Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems is proposing its Type 212 Common Design (CD) submarines which will be built for the navies of Norway and Germany.

Sweden’s Saab has offered the A26 submarine, a design used for the construction of Sweden’s new submarines.

The defense ministry noted that, in addition to the military specifications of the offered designs, factors like the level of technology transfer, autonomy in the use of cruise missiles and Polish industry integration would play a role in the process.

Once the contractor has been chosen, submarine deliveries are expected to start between 2024 and 2026.