https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/11/sweden-and-saab-selected-for-polands-new-submarines/
So the South Korean Hanwha Ocean favourite didn't win after all - putting Hanwha Ocean under pressure to sell to Canada and the Philippines.
Poland may have been mindful that buying from fellow NATO member, Sweden, strengthens the NATO alliance - something unachievable if Poland bought a (non-NATO) South Korean sub.
My next thought was that this inter-NATO aspect might boost NATO-Germany (TKMS's) chances of beating non-NATO-South Korea in the future subs to NATO-Canada competition. The Korea Times raises this very issue, in an article of November 28, 2025, here https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20251128/can-korean-shipbuilders-end-disappointing-streak-with-bid-for-canadian-subs .
It can be speculated if Swedens new and later date of deliveries of its own submarine is a nodge to polish more dire situation and giving Poland the first dilivery in 2030?
ReplyDeleteIt gives Nato strength by securing polish submarine capability and Nato still get a new sub in the baltic by 2030.
Due to the war in Ukraine, Poland is arming up. The buildup involves
ReplyDeletemore than just submarines:
"The Polish Air Force is gearing up to receive 32 F-35A fighters, which will be
armed with long-range precision weapons. Dozens of FA-50 light combat
aircraft are also being delivered.
Within the air defense branch, Poland plans by 2032 to introduce new air and
missile defense systems procured under the Narew and Wisła programs, which
cover the short-range and medium-range air defense segments, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Polish Land Forces are getting 250 of the latest Abrams M1A2
SEPv3 tanks, worth up to $6 billion, that will serve alongside a similar number
of German-made Leopard 2s already in use. The Land Forces also expect to
benefit from additional investments in operational fires, including new tube and
rocket artillery, which will be employed in combination with 96 new AH-64E
Apache attack helicopters. Furthermore, a significant South Korean arms
package includes tanks, short-range ballistic missiles, and self-propelled
artillery, as well as the aforementioned FA-50s.
Alongside the new submarines, Polish naval capabilities are also being
reinforced by new coastal missile units and mine warfare technologies."
See:
https://www.twz.com/sea/poland-to-buy-advanced-new-a26-submarines-from-sweden
There is worry in Europe that Putin may make a move against NATO later in the
ReplyDeletedecade, perhaps in conjunction with a Chinese move against Taiwan. But with
all the blood and treasure Russia has expended (and continues to expend) in
Ukraine, how likely is that?
Putin ‘plotting big war in Europe in 2029 or 2030’, Zelensky warns:
https://metro.co.uk/2025/11/13/putin-plotting-big-war-europe-2029-2030-zelensky-warns-24694983/
Germany readies massive defence plan to counter potential Russian threat:
https://www.euronews.com/2025/11/28/germany-readies-massive-defence-plan-to-counter-potential-russian-threat
Would China invading Taiwan spark Russian attack on NATO? Experts say it's
'plausible':
https://kyivindependent.com/russia-striking-nato-while-china-invades-taiwan-plausible-scenario-experts-say-06-2025/
Thanks TTAero and Anonymouses
ReplyDeleteI aim to use your comments and links in an article next week.
I will also add:
"Are the European NATO states moving towards self-reliance in arms procurement? A Q&A with Katarina Djokic" of 19 March 2025 at https://www.sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2025/are-european-nato-states-moving-towards-self-reliance-arms-procurement-qa-katarina-djokic
and
NATO’s role in defence industry production: Updated: 26 June 2025 at https://www.nato.int/en/what-we-do/deterrence-and-defence/natos-role-in-defence-industry-production
Cheers Pete
Another new goodie for Australia:
ReplyDelete"The Royal Australian Air Force will be the first foreign operator of the
advanced AIM-260A JATM air-to-air missile, according to U.S. sources
speaking to Naval News on condition of anonymity. The deal also opens the
door for other AIM-120D-3 operators to procure AIM-260As, with current
priority on Indo-Pacific allies."
See:
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/11/usa-approves-first-aim-260a-jatm-export-to-australia/