Polish MoD confirms Gazeta Morska’s reporting: Orka submarine supplier to be selected by late November

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has validated earlier reporting by Gazeta Morska, confirming that the government will announce the preferred supplier for the Orka next-generation submarine programme before the end of November. During a briefing on 19 November, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the recommendation for the Prime Minister is ready and expected to be submitted for approval “today”.

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19 november 2025 | 17:18 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Marynarka Wojenna RP

Government sources indicate that a dedicated Council of Ministers session on the Orka programme is scheduled between 21 and 25 November, marking the final decision point in selecting Poland’s strategic industrial and technological partner.

A high-tempo period for Poland’s naval sector

November marks an exceptionally active operational and industrial calendar for the Polish Navy and the wider shipbuilding ecosystem.

On 20 November, the Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia will host Midshipman’s Day, accompanied by an international debate titled “Shadow fleets as a threat to the security of Northern European states”, featuring ambassadors from Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway. The discussion will address the increasing activity of covert fleets and undersea operations across the Baltic Sea and the High North.

On 26 November, PGZ Naval Shipyard will begin steel cutting for the first vessel under the Ratownik rescue ship programme, marking a key industrial milestone.

The central announcement is expected on 28 November in Świnoujście, during the official Polish Navy Day, where – according to the ministry – the government is set to reveal the selected supplier for the Orka submarine programme.

Strategic implications

The Orka programme is one of the most significant steps in modernising Poland’s undersea warfare capabilities. The future submarine fleet is expected to:

strengthen Poland’s maritime deterrence,
expand intelligence, surveillance and strike capabilities,
enhance protection of critical underwater infrastructure,
deepen operational integration with NATO allies.

The late-November decision will define the direction of Poland’s naval development for decades and have long-term industrial consequences, particularly for domestic shipbuilding, MRO capacity and technological partnerships.

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