Poland could join Norway or the Netherlands to buy submarines, Deputy Defence Minister Czesław Mroczek said on Sunday.

"We are considering obtaining submarines, for instance together with Norway or the Netherlands," Mroczek told Polish news agency PAP.

The purchase was set to be launched at the beginning of the year and got stalled as Poland decided to arm the fleet with maneuvering missiles, increasing the costs.

The defence ministry had been planning to buy three submarines with delivery set for 2020-25.

"We are finishing works on initial settings - tactical and technical," he added. "From the point of view of the procedure and how we do it - whether in one or two proceedings - will depend on if we buy the submarines alone or as a joint project of two or more NATO members."

French industrial group DCNS, Swedish Saab Kockums and German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems are reportedly interested in the tender. (jh)