The Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that Poland would decide this week on the procurement of submarines, with the first subs being purchased by the end the year.

Poland plans to purchase three submarines through its "Orka' programme in order to strengthen its military and modernise its undersea war capabilities. It also wants to align itself more closely with NATO to counter what it perceives as an increasing threat from Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"We will adopt an official resolution that commits us to buying submarines before the end of this calendar year." Tusk informed journalists that the Polish government would now decide which bidder will be the program's partner.

Polish media reported that Germany, Italy, and Sweden are the top contenders for this multi-billion dollar programme.

Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilder, and the Polish Armaments Group, (PGZ), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to help modernise the Polish Navy. The agreement focuses on the Orka sub acquisition program, Fincantieri announced earlier this month.

The South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean included a financing agreement in its proposal for selling submarines to Poland. (Reporting and editing by Ros Russell, Barbara Erling, Pawel Florkiewicz)

(source: Reuters)