British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is actively lobbying Poland to select Swedish defense group Saab for a major submarine contract, with UK company Babcock International poised to participate in the bid . This high-level political engagement underscores the intense competition for Poland's "Orka" program, a multi-billion euro initiative to modernize its navy amid rising regional tensions .
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, together with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, signed a joint letter of support for Saab's bid, which was included in the company's final offer submitted in late October . The letter expressed confidence that the Swedish proposal would enhance security in the Baltic Sea . Sources confirm that British defense group Babcock is involved in the Swedish bid, though both Babcock and the UK government have declined to comment . This collaboration builds on an existing partnership, as Babcock is already working with Poland's state-run defense group, PGZ, on a separate project to build three new frigates for the Polish Navy .
The Orka program is a critical part of Poland's strategy to strengthen its naval capabilities and NATO ties, driven by escalating tensions with Russia . Poland's current submarine fleet is in urgent need of modernization, relying on a single, outdated Soviet-designed Kilo-class submarine . The program aims to acquire three to four new, modern submarines . Prime Minister Donald Tusk has confirmed the government will approve the program by the end of 2025, with the contract to be signed at a government-to-government level .
Saab is not the only contender for this lucrative contract. It is competing against manufacturers from several other nations . According to evaluations by the Polish Armaments Agency, the offers from Germany (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems), Italy (Fincantieri), and Sweden (Saab) have received the highest scores . However, bids from other countries, including France (Naval Group), Spain (Navantia), and South Korea (Hanwha Ocean), also remain under active consideration . A key requirement for the winning bidder will be extensive industrial cooperation with Poland's PGZ to bolster the national defense industry .
The intense competition for the Orka contract reflects more than just a major arms deal. For the UK, involvement in the project is seen as a way to boost the British economy and secure a share of the lucrative defense spending increases across Europe . For Poland, the decision is a strategic one that will shape its future defense partnerships, industrial capabilities, and role within NATO for decades to come . The selection of a Swedish-British consortium would notably deepen Poland's security cooperation with two key NATO allies in the Baltic Sea region . A decision from the Polish government is expected within weeks .