MOD chief: Poland to launch submarine purchase programme in 2023

Poland has increased military spending since Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February last year, with the government pledging to double the size of the army and spend 4% of GDP on defence in 2023.

"We are starting the implementation of the 'Orka' program. This year, we plan to launch a procedure aimed at purchasing submarines along with the transfer of the necessary technologies," the minister said at the Defence24Day conference.

Błaszczak said the tender would be "launched soon", adding information on the number of submarines and their equipment will be provided by the Ministry of Defence shortly.

The minister had also announced on Monday Poland was in advanced talks to buy Swedish early warning planes and hoped negotiations would be finalised shortly.

"We are conducting detailed negotiations. I hope they will succeed in a short time. This way we strengthen the resilience of Poland, but also of NATO's eastern flank," Błaszczak wrote on Twitter after a meeting of defence ministers from northern Europe.

He did not provide further details on the number or type of aircraft discussed.