PGZ and Gdańsk's CTO sign R&D framework deal to fast-track naval and dual-use projects

Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. (PGZ) signed a framework cooperation agreement with Centrum Techniki Okrętowej S.A. (CTO) of Gdańsk, covering research and development services for PGZ Group companies. The deal puts a long-running, project-by-project relationship on a single, streamlined footing.

What the agreement covers

• Mutual use of R&D, design and infrastructure capacity
• Industrial research, development work, and design and validation services for the PGZ Group
• Key domains: marine technologies, ship systems, materials engineering, hydromechanics and acoustics
• Knowledge exchange, joint R&D projects, training and agreed strategic initiatives

Why it matters

CTO is one of Poland's foremost maritime R&D centres. Wholly state-owned and operating in Gdańsk since 1971, it runs towing tanks, cavitation and aerodynamic tunnels, accredited environmental-test laboratories (fire, vibration, shock, acoustics) and advanced FEM/CFD analysis — exactly the competences that decide a warship's acoustic signature, structural resilience and propulsion performance.

The two sides are not starting from scratch. CTO experts have already supported Polish Navy modernisation work alongside PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, most recently on the Miecznik frigate programme (three multi-role Arrowhead 140 ships replacing the ageing Oliver Hazard Perry class) and the Ratownik rescue-vessel programme. The framework deal is meant to make that kind of cooperation faster to launch.

From concept to delivery

The headline benefit is simpler engagement rules between CTO and PGZ Group companies — shortening the time needed to spin up joint R&D and to move from idea to execution.

- PGZ Group companies are currently focused on delivering huge orders under the SAFE programme. At the same time, finding new industrial partners and jointly developing innovative projects, not only for the Polish army, but also for international markets, remains very important to us. This agreement with CTO will let our companies plan the development of their own research capacity even better, said Jan Grabowski, Vice-President of PGZ S.A.

- Security today requires not only modern equipment, but also a strong R&D base. By combining CTO's research competences with the industrial potential of the PGZ Group, we are creating the conditions for innovative projects that respond to contemporary security challenges, said Jan Dobiński, President of CTO S.A.

Dual use: military and civilian

Under the agreement, PGZ and CTO intend to implement the resulting solutions for the Polish Armed Forces and for armed forces worldwide, as well as for the civilian market under the dual-use formula, a profile that fits CTO, whose clients already span shipbuilding, offshore, energy, construction and automotive.

The signing lands amid a sharp revival of Poland's defence and shipbuilding sectors, driven in part by the EU's SAFE instrument, in which Poland is the largest beneficiary. For Pomerania with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Gdynia and CTO in Gdańsk it reinforces the Tricity's role as the hub of Poland's naval engineering, from design and testing through to finished hulls.