Poland is set to choose its submarine supplier this week as part of a major naval upgrade, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
The country expects to complete the purchase of its first submarines by December 2025.
Boosting Naval Strength Through the Orka Programme
The acquisition is part of the Orka programme, a strategic plan to modernise Poland’s undersea warfare capability.
The government intends to buy three new submarines to improve maritime security and reinforce its role within NATO.
Heightened Security After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has sharpened Poland’s focus on defence preparedness. Modern submarines are seen as essential to protecting the country’s coastline and deterring potential threats in the Baltic region.
Bidders from NATO and EU Allies
“We plan to pass a resolution before the end of the year to secure these submarines,” Tusk told reporters.
Poland has assessed proposals from several NATO and EU partners, with Germany, Italy and Sweden emerging as leading candidates for the multi-billion-dollar project.
Industry Partnerships Already in Motion
Preparations are under way. In early September 2025, Italy’s Fincantieri signed a cooperation agreement with Poland’s state-owned Armaments Group (PGZ) to support the Orka initiative.
Earlier, in June 2025, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean enhanced its bid by offering a financing package to deliver submarines.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
The planned submarine purchase signals Poland’s determination to modernise its navy, support NATO operations and safeguard Eastern Europe’s maritime security amid rising regional tensions.
