Poland marks Navy Day as Orka submarine program enters strategic phase
The Polish Navy celebrated its annual Navy Day at the Naval Port in Świnoujście, an event this year dominated by a milestone announcement: the government has formally decided to finalize the Orka submarine program, securing a new generation of undersea capabilities for Poland.
In brief
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced at the Naval Port in Świnoujście the finalisation of the Orka programme, covering the acquisition of three submarines with technology transfer and a partnership with Sweden. The central celebrations of Polish Navy Day fell on the 107th anniversary of Józef Piłsudski's decree of 28 November 1918. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced a special allowance of PLN 180 for each day of service at sea with a minimum of six hours on the water, also covering divers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, joined by senior military leadership, emphasized that Orka represents far more than a procurement initiative.
- This program changes the strategic posture of the Polish Navy and the security architecture of the entire Baltic region. By selecting Sweden as our partner, we are building a new, integrated framework for Baltic defence. There is no safe Baltic without the Polish Navy, the minister said.
A new maritime reality in the Baltic
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted that with Finland and Sweden joining NATO, the Baltic Sea has become an “internal NATO sea – with one dangerous exception.” In this context, submarine capabilities, persistent patrolling, and the protection of subsea critical infrastructure gain heightened relevance.
The Orka program includes the acquisition of three submarines together with a broad industrial and technological cooperation package, strengthening Poland’s defence industry and operational interoperability with Sweden.
107 years of the modern Polish Navy
This year’s Navy Day coincides with the 107th anniversary of Józef Piłsudski’s decree establishing the modern Polish Navy on 28 November 1918. Since then, the service has continuously supported Poland’s maritime security, taking part not only in Baltic operations but also in international missions and NATO exercises across multiple theatres.
Awards and new incentives for personnel
During the ceremony, distinguished sailors received state and ministerial decorations, honorary officer sabres, and certificates of command appointments.
The Minister of Defence also announced a new incentive aimed at improving personnel retention and recognizing operational burdens:
- I have decided to introduce a special allowance of 180 PLN for every day at sea, provided at least six hours are spent underway. This applies equally to divers operating at sea and on inland waters.
Acknowledgment of the navy’s role
Closing the ceremony, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed gratitude to the naval community:
- We rely on your skills, professionalism, and dedication. The Polish Navy remains essential to the nation’s defence posture and a cornerstone of our maritime security.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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