The Baltic is arming up. The Polish Navy is gaining strength, but the submarine gap remains

The Polish Navy is undergoing its most extensive modernization program in decades. Shipyards in Gdynia and Gdańsk are simultaneously building multiple classes of vessels that will significantly enhance operational capabilities in the Baltic Sea. The programs include large surface combatants, specialized support units, and advanced reconnaissance ships. The replacement effort is critical, as much of the Navy’s current potential still relies on Cold War-era platforms.

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15 august 2025   |   08:24   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. st. sierż. Łukasz Fiedorowicz

While fleet renewal is moving into a decisive phase, the acquisition of new submarines remains unresolved. The Orka program has been in the analysis stage for years, and Poland currently operates only a single active submarine. This capability gap is increasingly critical given rising geopolitical tensions in the Baltic region.

Miecznik – the future backbone of the fleet

The Miecznik program covers the construction of three multi-role frigates based on the Arrowhead 140 design, being built at PGZ Naval Shipyard in cooperation with international partners. The first vessel, ORP Wicher, is already in an advanced stage of construction. The remaining two – ORP Burza and ORP Huragan – will follow at roughly two-year intervals, allowing for smooth fleet integration.

According to Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Naval Shipyard, the project is on schedule, with all components for the three frigates already secured. These ships will be equipped with modern anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine systems, fully interoperable with NATO networks, enabling them to operate not only in coastal defense but also in allied missions beyond the Baltic.

Kormoran II – expanding mine countermeasure capabilities

The Kormoran II program involves six state-of-the-art mine countermeasure vessels with non-magnetic hulls and integrated unmanned underwater systems. Three are already in service, actively participating in national and international exercises. The next three – Jaskółka, Rybitwa, and Czajka – are in various construction and outfitting stages.

Once completed, the Polish Navy will field a fully capable mine warfare group, critical for protecting sea lanes, critical infrastructure, and ports under conflict conditions.

Delfin – next-generation signals intelligence

The Delfin program covers two new SIGINT vessels – ORP Jerzy Różycki and ORP Henryk Zygalski – designed for detecting, analyzing, and disrupting enemy electromagnetic emissions. The first was launched in July 2025 and is undergoing outfitting. Their arrival will significantly strengthen Poland’s intelligence-gathering capabilities in the maritime domain.

Ratownik – specialized subsea rescue operations

For the first time in its history, the Polish Navy will receive a purpose-built submarine rescue vessel under the Ratownik program. At 96 meters in length and displacing around 6,500 tons, the ship will support crew evacuation from stricken submarines and carry out subsea infrastructure maintenance. Steel cutting is scheduled for December 2025, with delivery planned for 2029.

Supply – fleet support renewal

The Supply program will replace the ageing ORP Bałtyk replenishment ship with a modern NATO-compliant vessel capable of fuel and cargo transfer at sea. Contractor selection is expected soon, with service entry scheduled for 2028.

Orka – still on hold

The Orka submarine program remains in limbo despite offers from shipyards in Spain, South Korea, Germany, Sweden, and France, many of which include technology transfer and domestic industry participation. With only ORP Orzeł operational, Poland lacks a complete undersea warfare capability. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz recently called the acquisition “a matter of honour” and pledged to sign the contract in 2025.

Strategic considerations and leadership input

Running multiple major shipbuilding programs simultaneously presents organizational, technological, and financial challenges. The success of the Navy’s modernization depends not only on timely execution but also on decisive action in unresolved areas – especially the submarine gap.

Polish President and Commander-in-Chief Karol Nawrocki has emphasized that military modernization should be guided by operational requirements rather than political cycles. Decisions, he stated, must be made in close consultation with service chiefs and branch commanders, ensuring that procurement meets genuine defence needs.

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