Launch of ORP Rybitwa. Fifth Kormoran II-class minehunter for the Polish Navy

Christening of ORP Rybitwa – tradition meets innovation

The ceremony was led by the ship’s godmother, Maria Teryfter, wife of Rear Admiral Krzysztof Teryfter, former commander of the 8th Coast Defence Flotilla (2009–2014). She delivered the traditional blessing: “Sail the seas and oceans of the world, honor the name of Polish shipbuilders and sailors. I name you Rybitwa,” before smashing a bottle of champagne against the hull. The launch initiates the next phase—outfitting the vessel with armament and cutting-edge onboard systems.

ORP Rybitwa will join the Świnoujście-based 12th Minesweeper Squadron within the 8th Coast Defence Flotilla, alongside ORP Jaskółka (604) and the planned ORP Czajka (606). The Gdynia-based 13th Minesweeper Squadron already operates ORP Kormoran (601), ORP Albatros (602), and ORP Mewa (603).

Kormoran II minehunters – safeguarding maritime security

Built by a consortium led by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., with contributions from the R&D Centre for Maritime Technology S.A. in Gdynia and PGZ Naval Shipyard, Kormoran II-class vessels are designed for:

• detecting, classifying, and neutralizing sea mines,
• conducting waterway reconnaissance,
• guiding ships through mine-threatened areas,
• laying mines,
• remotely operating unmanned anti-mine platforms.

Their versatility supports operations in Polish waters and international missions with NATO, EU, or multinational coalition forces.

ORP Rybitwa and Kormoran II series timeline

Construction of ORP Rybitwa began with steel-cutting on January 19, 2024, followed by keel-laying on March 20, 2024. The six-vessel series is slated for completion between 2026 and 2027. Key milestones include:

• ORP Kormoran (601) – prototype launched in 2017,
• ORP Albatros (602) – commissioned in 2022,
• ORP Mewa (603) – flag raised in 2023,
• ORP Jaskółka (604) – launched in June 2024,
• ORP Czajka (606) – construction started in October 2024.

Miecznik frigates and Orka submarine project updates

The Polish Navy’s modernization extends beyond minehunters. Under the Miecznik program, three multi-role frigates are in development at PGZ Naval Shipyard in Gdynia. Steel-cutting for the lead ship, ORP Miecznik, began in 2023, with a launch planned for 2026 and commissioning by 2029, enhancing Poland’s naval combat capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Orka program, aimed at acquiring next-generation submarines, is in the negotiation phase as of March 2025. Discussions with potential suppliers—Naval Group (France), Saab (Sweden), and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (Germany)—are ongoing, with a contract decision expected in 2026–2027.

Legacy of the name ORP Rybitwa

The name “Rybitwa” carries a storied history in the Polish Navy:

1. 1921–1931 – a German-built FM-type minesweeper,
2. 1935–1966 – a Jaskółka-class minesweeper, Poland’s first domestically designed and built warship,
3. 1967–2002 – a Project 206F base minesweeper.

The modern ORP Rybitwa blends this heritage with state-of-the-art mine countermeasures technology.

Polish shipbuilding on the rise

The launch of ORP Rybitwa underscores the strength of Poland’s shipbuilding industry. The Kormoran II, Miecznik, and Orka programs highlight the advanced expertise of Polish yards and engineers, positioning Poland as a key player in Baltic maritime security.

Stay updated on the Polish Navy’s modernization, including ORP Czajka’s progress and the Miecznik frigate program.