Saab and the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) signed a strategic naval cooperation agreement on 13 May 2026. The agreement covers service and lifecycle support of surface vessels and submarines, integration of Polish entities into Saab’s supply chain, and joint export activities.
Saab is a Swedish defence company founded in 1937 in Trollhättan. The firm employs around 18,000 people and specialises in military aircraft (Gripen), radar systems, submarines and missiles. PGZ is a Polish state‑owned defence group established in 2014, bringing together several dozen companies, including shipyards, repair yards and munitions manufacturers. Cooperation between the two companies began in September 2025 at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, where a memorandum of understanding was signed. Another agreement, concerning in‑country submarine maintenance and repair within Poland’s ORKA submarine programme, was signed in March 2026.
The parties have declared their intention to establish a future Underwater Technology Centre in Poland. The centre would focus on research, development and testing of underwater technologies, including autonomous vehicles, sonar systems and torpedo armament. The location has not yet been chosen, but according to unofficial industry reports, Gdańsk (due to its shipyards and the technical university) and Gdynia (home of the Polish Navy and the Naval Academy) are being considered.
Saab and PGZ will jointly evaluate the production and marketing of Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone. This drone is an unmanned surface or underwater vehicle designed for reconnaissance, mine countermeasures and anti‑submarine warfare. According to Saab, the drone can operate for several weeks without human intervention, carrying a payload of up to 500 kg. Production in Poland would give PGZ access to the technology and potential export opportunities.
Heavyweight torpedoes for ORKA
The agreement also provides for exploring the possibility of collaborating on a heavyweight torpedo. This most likely refers to Saab’s SLWT (Saucer Lightweight Torpedo) or another model that could be used by Polish submarines. Poland has been pursuing the ORKA programme for several years, which aims to acquire new submarines. In March 2026, Saab and PGZ signed a separate agreement on domestic submarine maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities under the ORKA programme. Cooperation on torpedoes would be a natural complement.
– I am pleased to have signed this agreement today with PGZ and to see the speed at which our cooperation is advancing. This agreement reflects a strong commitment to a deepening partnership between Polish and Swedish industry, while also contributing to enhanced security in the Baltic Sea and NATO’s eastern flank – said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
Exports and other projects
The agreement also provides for joint pursuit of export opportunities for surface and underwater platforms, including rescue vessels. PGZ could gain access to markets where Polish companies would not be able to enter on their own, especially in South‑East Asia and the Middle East. Saab, in turn, gains a reliable partner for contracts requiring local industrial involvement.
The companies are also exploring further possibilities for cooperation on projects related to multi‑domain defence solutions (integrating land, sea, air and space forces) and the production of mortar munitions in Poland. PGZ already produces 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm mortar ammunition in its factories (including at DEZAMET in Nowa Dęba). Cooperation with Saab could bring new technologies, such as precision‑guided munitions or fire control systems.
Fot. Saab
