Pål Jonson visits Swedish submarine in Poland

Sweden and Poland signed a strategic partnership in November 2024. The partnership focuses on increased cooperation on security and defence, economic innovation and competitiveness, strengthening security in the Baltic Sea Region and supporting Ukraine.

“Poland and Sweden share a clear understanding of the challenges and threats facing our region, in particular the long-term threat posed by Russia. We are therefore in a unique position to work together to strengthen the region’s security and deter Russia’s aggressive behaviour,” says Mr Jonson.

Poland has previously decided to purchase three submarines from Sweden, representing a further deepening of bilateral cooperation, both militarily, politically and industrially.

The cooperation is now entering a new phase. The submarine visit gave Polish sailors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with Swedish submarine technology and procedures at close quarters. Negotiations on a Polish leasing agreement for the submarine HMS Södermanland start this month, with the aim of ensuring that Poland maintains its submarine capability while new submarines are developed, and to increase interoperability in the near term. 

Initially, the majority of the submarine crew will consist of Swedish sailors. Polish sailors will gradually take over positions as training progresses. 

Sweden also welcomes Poland’s impressive modernisation of its defence capabilities. The two countries share the same security environment and assessment of the threats they face.