Sweden Signs Agreement to Lease Submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland

15 October 2026
Edited By: Ed Freeman

FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces have signed an agreement on the implementation of Sweden's lease of the submarine HMS Södermanland to Poland. The agreement covers, among other things, training of the Polish submarine crew, preparations ahead of the lease, and support during the lease period.

(Credit: FMV)

The lease of HMS Södermanland is an intergovernmental transaction between Sweden and Poland. FMV represents the Swedish state in the deal. In June 2026, Sweden and Poland signed an agreement on the lease of HMS Södermanland, including weapons, logistics support, and training. The new agreement between FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces establishes the Armed Forces’ commitments to carry out training and maintenance.

“The agreement is an important step in the work to prepare HMS Södermanland for the lease to Poland. It is about both completing the submarine and ensuring that the Polish crew receives the training and support required,” said Fredrik Lindén, head of naval materiel at FMV.

FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces are working to complete HMS Södermanland ahead of the lease. Training of approximately 30 Polish submarine sailors began in Karlskrona in August 2026 and is expected to continue for 18 months. The training begins at the Naval Warfare School and then continues at the First Submarine Flotilla with a focus on HMS Södermanland.

The submarine is planned to give Poland operational submarine capability from 2028 and will serve as a temporary solution—a so-called gap-filler—while the country awaits its new submarines. The lease is planned to run until 2032. During that period, FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces will support the Polish Navy with maintenance and sustainment.

In parallel with the work on HMS Södermanland, cooperation continues regarding Poland’s future submarine capability. Saab signed a separate contract in June 2026 with Poland’s procurement authority for the delivery of three new A26 submarines. The contract is worth approximately 47 billion kronor and also covers weapons, training, and support. Deliveries are to take place successively, with final delivery planned for 2038.