PGZ Naval Shipyard commences construction of ORP Burza - second strike frigate of Poland’s Miecznik programme

On May 5, 2025, at exactly 11:00 a.m., PGZ Naval Shipyard in Gdynia will host a ceremonial steel-cutting event, marking the official start of construction of the second advanced multi-role frigate under Poland’s flagship naval modernisation programme – the future ORP Burza. This milestone underscores the steady progression of the Miecznik programme, the largest revitalisation effort of the Polish Navy since the political transformation of the 1990s.

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19 april 2025   |   08:09   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

Pierwowzór fregat typu 31 Inspiration / Arrowhead 140 ? duński Niels Juel typu Iver Huitfeldt / fot. Marynarka Wojenna Danii

The second of three planned vessels, designated shipyard number B106/2, is being built based on the proven Arrowhead 140 design, already in use by the Royal Navy. The new-generation warship will be equipped with an array of cutting-edge systems, including:

• an integrated combat management system (CMS),
• advanced sensors and armament for surface, subsurface and air defence operations,
• a modern bridge and navigation suite,
• and full-scale communications systems for joint operations within NATO task groups.

The ORP Burza will serve not only as a key guardian of Poland’s maritime interests, but also as an effective asset in multinational operations – enabling convoy protection, airspace control, and anti-submarine warfare in line with NATO’s strategic posture.

Miecznik programme: a strategic leap for the Polish Navy

The launch of Burza’s construction marks a critical phase in the Miecznik programme – a strategic defence initiative aiming to deliver three multi-mission guided missile frigates to the Polish Navy. These vessels are set to form the backbone of Poland’s surface fleet and significantly enhance the country's maritime deterrence capabilities in the Baltic region.

The programme is implemented under Poland’s Technical Modernisation Plan for the Armed Forces, with the project led by a consortium headed by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ S.A.), in close cooperation with PGZ Naval Shipyard, Remontowa Shipbuilding, and international partners such as Babcock International, the provider of the Arrowhead 140 platform. The initiative supports technology transfer to Poland and contributes to the development of sovereign competencies within the national naval and defence industry.

The ceremony will be attended by representatives of the Ministry of National Defence, Armament Agency, Polish Armaments Group, shipyard management, and key industrial partners involved in the programme.

Building next-generation naval power – made in Poland

Beyond boosting national security, the Miecznik programme acts as a catalyst for the development of the Polish defence and shipbuilding sectors. Thanks to strong industrial cooperation with global defence players, Poland is acquiring real capabilities in ship design, construction, and combat systems integration. This not only opens the door for future naval projects, but also strengthens Poland’s position as an emerging player in the European defence and shipbuilding markets.

The construction of ORP Burza represents not only a technological leap forward but also a tangible enhancement of the Polish Navy’s operational readiness in today’s complex maritime security environment.

Burza follows Wicher – strong winds of change at PGZ Naval Shipyard

In parallel, construction of the first Miecznik-class frigate – ORP Wicher – is already underway at PGZ Naval Shipyard, having entered the build phase in August 2023. As the lead vessel of the class, Wicher serves as a platform for integrating and validating key technologies that will also be implemented aboard Burza and the third frigate in the series.

Lessons learned during the construction of Wicher are already contributing to accelerated workflows, improved integration processes, and the systematic strengthening of domestic supply chain capabilities, helping build a sustainable foundation for Poland’s long-term naval shipbuilding ambitions.

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pgz stocznia wojenna orp burza program miecznik marynarka wojenna modernizacja marynarki wojennej

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