ORKA: more than submarines: a strategic engine for Poland’s economy and the Baltic region

Poland’s Navy is standing at a pivotal moment in its modern history. The Orka program, designed to procure a new generation of submarines, has ignited intense debate — not only about military capabilities, but also about its economic, industrial, and strategic impact. The question is clear: are we merely purchasing combat platforms, or are we investing in the future of Poland’s maritime industry and national autonomy?

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17 october 2025   |   11:44   |   Source: Gazeta Morska / Hanwha Ocean   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Hanwha Ocean

Beyond replacement – a strategic imperative

For years, the Polish Navy has struggled with limited underwater capabilities. The aging ORP Orzeł remains a powerful symbol, but also a stark reminder of how urgently modernization is needed. The Kazimierz Pułaski Foundation has warned that without swift decisions, Poland risks losing its submarine competence for decades.

- Buying ready-made units without building industrial know-how will lead to technological and strategic dependency, the Foundation’s analysts underline.

Hanwha Ocean’s proposal directly addresses that concern. As Steve SK Jeong explains:

- The Orka program is not just about submarines. It’s about building Poland’s strategic autonomy. Our ambition is not to sell finished products, but to establish in Poland a full ecosystem for maintenance, training, and industrial cooperation. That ensures the Navy will never again rely on external support for upgrades or servicing.

Technology leap – a vision for the future

Hanwha Ocean proposes the KSS-III Batch 2 submarines – advanced units capable of reshaping the underwater balance of power not only in the Baltic Sea, but across European waters.

Sean Seongwoo Park notes:

- Poland does not need distant promises. Poland needs reliable, combat-ready submarines now.

Equipped with AIP propulsion and lithium-ion batteries, these vessels can remain submerged for more than three weeks — a remarkable feat in their class. They feature next-generation sonar systems, a state-of-the-art combat management suite, and the capability to launch cruise missiles from torpedo tubes. In an extended configuration, they can also deploy ballistic missiles via Vertical Launch Systems (VLS).

As Park adds:

- With Orka, Poland is not merely renewing its fleet — it’s becoming a European leader in undersea warfare. This is real asymmetric deterrence.

Economic impact – jobs, innovation, and regional growth

Beyond its defense dimension, the Orka program is a major economic catalyst for Pomerania, home to Poland’s key shipyards: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, Stocznia Remontowa Nauta in Gdynia, and Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdańsk, alongside a network of smaller companies specializing in marine systems, automation, and technology integration.

Hanwha Ocean emphasizes the economic ripple effect.

Steve SK Jeong highlights:

- Orka will generate over 1,300 high-quality jobs and contribute more than $3 billion to Poland’s GDP over the 30-year service life. These are not abstract numbers — this is real industrial development, strengthening the Pomeranian shipbuilding cluster and its entire supply chain.

Collaboration will include both major defense shipyards and specialized firms such as Famor, Hydromega, and Enamor, which already deliver critical maritime systems for both civil and military applications.

A genuine technology transfer and the establishment of MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) capabilities in Poland mean that the submarines will not be mere imports — they will anchor new knowledge, competencies, and infrastructure that remain in the country.
Jeong summarizes:

- With Orka, Poland can become Europe’s hub for undersea expertise. This program builds not only a fleet, but an entire industrial ecosystem.

Building human capital

No complex defense program succeeds without people. Orka requires a comprehensive approach to workforce development — from naval personnel to shipyard engineers and research institutions. The creation of specialized training programs will ensure that operational readiness and technological independence are maintained for decades.

If executed properly, Orka could mark a true turning point for Poland — transforming what might appear as a procurement project into a foundation for national sovereignty, maritime technology, and industrial growth.

Challenges and safeguards

As with any large-scale defense initiative, the risks are significant. Complex schedules, certification processes, crew training, and infrastructure upgrades often extend timelines and raise costs. Contractual vigilance will be crucial to guarantee that promised technology transfers and domestic industrial participation are both measurable and enforceable — ensuring Poland’s industry contributes not only to assembly, but to key components.

Financial and operational sovereignty

The relationships between Hanwha Ocean, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, and Stocznia Remontowa Nauta — combined with joint frameworks for training, servicing, and technological collaboration — form a foundation for long-term capability.

Steve Park, a former naval officer and presidential defense advisor in Korea, underscores:

- I understand both the operational and strategic demands of submarine warfare. Like Korea, Poland is situated between major geopolitical blocs and must build deterrence rooted in advanced technology. Our proposal goes beyond hardware — it includes the full spectrum of operational and security experience within NATO standards.

Funding remains the Achilles’ heel of many defense programs. Hanwha Ocean offers independent financing, free from hidden costs, ensuring Poland retains full control from acquisition to operation.

As Steve Jeong concludes:

- Operational sovereignty is critical. Orka gives Poland full independence — from procurement through lifecycle maintenance to modernization. The nation’s combat readiness must never depend on foreign approvals or schedules.

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