Deputy minister Bejda visits Cartagena: Polish delegation evaluates Spanish offer in the Orka submarine program

On July 21, 2025, Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Bejda led a Polish delegation to the Spanish Navy base and Navantia shipyard in Cartagena. The visit marked a significant step in assessing the Spanish proposal submitted under Poland’s strategic Orka program, aimed at acquiring new submarines for the Polish Navy.

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22 july 2025   |   10:19   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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The delegation closely examined the production process of the modern S-80 Plus submarines, currently being built for the Spanish Navy. The visit also included demonstrations of advanced crew training systems based on simulators, as well as an inspection onboard the first S-80 submarine, which is presently undergoing scheduled maintenance in dry dock.

Navantia’s production capabilities and potential industrial cooperation with Poland

During working meetings with representatives of the Spanish government and defense industry, technical aspects of the proposed solutions were discussed in detail, including technology transfer opportunities and the involvement of the Polish defense sector. According to Ministry of Defence officials, the industrial cooperation component, alongside operational parameters and costs, is a key factor in evaluating offers submitted under the Orka program.

Navantia, the main contractor for the S-80 program, presented its production capabilities, infrastructure, and extensive experience in building state-of-the-art submarines. The company expressed readiness to collaborate on industrial cooperation, potentially allowing Polish companies to actively participate in the construction and maintenance of future submarines for the Polish Navy.

Orka program competitors: France, Germany, and South Korea also in the race

In addition to Spain, three other major competitors are vying for the Orka contract. French Naval Group offers the Scorpène-class submarines, recognized for their export success and modular design. German Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems proposes the 212CD class, an evolution of the proven 212A type with modern air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems. South Korea has submitted an offer based on the new-generation KSS-III submarines, equipped with vertical launch systems for cruise missiles.

Each bid is evaluated considering combat capabilities, NATO interoperability, technology transfer potential, and the extent of domestic industrial involvement in production and lifecycle support.

Navantia’s schedule challenges – risks considered by the Polish Ministry of Defence

While the Spanish offer is attractive in terms of technology and industrial cooperation, it is important to note that the S-80 program has faced significant delays and cost overruns in the past. The first S-80 unit, Isaac Peral, was launched only in 2021 after years of redesign and technical adjustments. The timelines and production pace of subsequent submarines have also raised concerns among industry experts.

The Polish side is therefore assessing not only technical merits but also the contractor’s track record in meeting deadlines and industrial guarantees. Ministry officials emphasize that the final decision will result from a comprehensive analysis of risks, lifecycle costs, and long-term industrial cooperation prospects.

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