Poland's submarine program: Orka progressing as planned

The implementation of the Orka program is proceeding according to the arrangements made during the meeting of the Technical Modernization Council (RMT), which took place on July 23, 2024, as reported by the Ministry of National Defence. We have sent detailed questions to the Ministry regarding the future of the Navy’s OPNT.

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16 january 2025   |   07:07   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Marynarka Wojenna RP

The Ministry of National Defense (MON) states that "the findings are classified information," but the announcements about introducing next level of new-type submarines in 2025 are optimistic.

- New-type submarines (OPNT) will constitute a significant element of the deterrence and defense system of the Polish Armed Forces (and the Alliance), fundamentally limiting the enemy’s ability to deploy their forces. At the same time, they will serve as a component of the system securing Poland's interests at sea by contributing to the safety of communication lines and critical maritime infrastructure - the Ministry of National Defense said in response to questions from Daily Mare.

In 2024, there were several cases of damage to underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. OPNT will be capable of supporting the protection and surveillance of Polish energy installations (e.g., Baltic Pipe, wind farms, drilling platforms, underwater cables).

What are the main advantages of delivering submarines to the Polish Navy as perceived by MON?

- The main advantages of OPNT include, among others: operational stealth, high autonomy (duration of operations away from home bases), and the ability to disperse in the anticipated theater of operations before the commencement of hostilities. Moreover, OPNT will be able to conduct reconnaissance in remote areas and cooperate with special forces. They will also be capable of striking surface, underwater, and land-based targets using missile and torpedo weaponry - representatives of the Ministry of National Defense added.

Submarines perform not only "offensive" missions but also other tasks such as reconnaissance, evacuation of personnel from damaged submarines, and rescue operations. The role and capabilities of OPNT, as well as the Navy as a branch of the armed forces, align with the national security strategy, and developing these capabilities enhances the country’s maritime security.

As MON emphasizes, due to the unique characteristics of submarines, such as stealth and the ability to deploy to future theaters of operations long before a conflict begins, submarines are a crucial element of combined operations.

The capabilities of submarines represent an effective deterrent through their ability to support efforts aimed at degrading an aggressor’s offensive potential, including covert transportation of special forces. Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense highlights the ability to conduct long-range strikes using cruise missiles, the potential to degrade the defensive and offensive capabilities of a possible adversary by disrupting their maritime supply lines, which are the primary routes of logistics, and the ability to covertly gather intelligence in the Baltic Sea region.

- The Baltic Sea, despite its shallow depth, has features conducive to conducting operations using submarines. Polish submarines have repeatedly participated in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises in the waters of the Baltic, North, and Mediterranean Seas and the Atlantic Ocean. For nearly 20 years, they have participated in an exercise organized by the U.S. Navy in the Baltic Sea, known as "BALTOPS." This exercise has consistently demonstrated that even substantial ASW forces do not guarantee the detection of an operating submarine. Often, the shallow depth of the water body and the physical characteristics of the water column and seabed made detection and combating submarines more difficult - MON emphasizes.

As stated in the responses sent to the editorial office of Gazeta Morska, "having diversified forces (underwater, surface, aerial, and land-based) means that the actions of potential adversaries are not focused on a single type of target (e.g., surface ships). Such diversified potential provides greater opportunities for its effective use."

It is hard to disagree with this statement. Diversification of the armed forces not only complicates the actions of a potential adversary but also increases flexibility and effectiveness in responding to various threats. Diversified operational potential allows for better adaptation of resources to specific situations, minimizing the risk of defense breaches in a single, critical area. In the context of modern conflicts, where multidimensional operations are of paramount importance, such an approach appears to be an absolute necessity.

The Orka Program: A foundation of deterrence and guardian of Poland's maritime interests

- The Orka new-type submarine is one of the key projects included in the Naval Program of the Polish Navy. Submarines represent a crucial asset in the system of striking the enemy and are a vital component of the military instruments of state power in the deterrence and defense system on the maritime front. Simultaneously, submarines hold strategic importance in protecting the state's maritime interests during peace, crises, and conflict. Possessing submarines forces a potential adversary to maintain significant anti-submarine warfare (ASW) resources within their naval forces - the Ministry of National Defense stated.

It is important to note that submarines, with their ability to remain covertly and persistently in any body of water, can exert comprehensive influence over an adversary, ranging from conducting reconnaissance and tracking a selected target to its destruction, even within the adversary’s A2/AD (anti-access/area denial) zones. Submarines can operate effectively in regions where the enemy dominates both at sea and in the air.

The discussed capabilities of submarines are critical for modern armed forces, especially in the context of growing geopolitical challenges and increasing activity in the Baltic Sea. Poland must consistently develop its capabilities in this area by investing in modern equipment and crew training to maximize the potential of these vessels, particularly in light of NATO’s new initiative, Baltic Sentry.

Equally important is the parallel preparation of the Polish shipbuilding industry to undertake such projects in the future. Developing domestic technological competencies and expanding shipyard infrastructure will not only better support fleet operations but also contribute to the growth of a sector that can become a vital part of the economy and provide jobs.

At the same time, Poland should leverage the experience and technologies offered by global leaders in submarine production. Collaboration with international partners with extensive experience and proven solutions will accelerate the modernization process of the Polish Navy and ensure access to the latest technological advancements. This approach, combining domestic capability development with the adoption of the best international practices, is the key to building modern and efficient armed forces capable of meeting future challenges.

The Polish Navy plays a critical role in ensuring the state’s security, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic maritime interests. As a nation with access to the Baltic Sea, Poland cannot afford to marginalize the role of its naval forces.

The sea serves not only as a communication route but also as a field for increasingly intense geopolitical competition. This plays a significant role in protecting maritime resources, ensuring energy security, and achieving defensive objectives. Modern threats such as political instability in the region, the activity of other nations' naval forces, or maritime terrorism require Poland to maintain a modern and strong navy capable of deterring potential adversaries and effectively responding to crises.

- NATO's role is to ensure the security and protection of our critical infrastructure and everything that is valuable to us. Through mutual solidarity and cooperation among member states, we can effectively counter threats, guaranteeing stability and peace in the region, allowing us to look to the future with hope and a sense of security - said Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO.

It is important to remember that the Polish Navy is not only about coastal defense but also active participation in international missions, which have become a significant element of foreign policy. The Polish fleet has a crucial role to play within alliances, particularly NATO, where it serves as a stabilizing force in the Baltic Sea region and other strategic areas.

Close cooperation with allies, the exchange of experiences, and participation in international military exercises are elements that ensure combat readiness and skill development. Moreover, a strong navy is a symbol of sovereignty and national independence, providing Poland with greater persuasive power on the international stage and a sense of security for its citizens.

In the face of growing challenges related to maritime security and the dynamically changing international situation, investing in the Polish Navy has become an absolute necessity. Fleet modernization, including the development of submarines, missile systems, and strengthening the ability to conduct operations in A2/AD regions, should not only be a priority but also a long-term defense strategy. These actions aim not only to enhance the country’s defensive potential but also to secure Poland’s interests in the region and on the international stage, which is crucial for the state’s stability and development.

marynarka wojenna rp przemysł zbrojeniowy program orka okręty podwodne orp orzeł

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