Keel laid for second Miecznik-class frigate at PGZ Naval Shipyard

A keel-laying ceremony for the second Miecznik-class multi-role frigate, the future ORP Burza, was held at PGZ Naval Shipyard in Gdynia. The event marks another key milestone in Poland’s largest naval shipbuilding programme currently underway and a major step forward in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Polish Navy.

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18 december 2025 | 15:43 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Kamil Kusier / Gazeta Morska

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Polish government, the armed forces and the defence industry, including Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, and Konrad Gołota, Deputy Minister of State Assets. Representatives of the Armaments Inspectorate, the Polish Navy Command and programme partners were also present. In line with naval tradition, a commemorative coin was welded into the keel structure of the future frigate.

- The construction of Wicher, Burza and Huragan is an investment in Poland’s secure future. Enhancing the capabilities of the Polish Navy is a strategic priority, as demonstrated by ongoing programmes such as Orka, Miecznik and Ratownik, said Konrad Gołota, Deputy Minister of State Assets.

The Miecznik programme предусматривает construction of three next-generation multi-role frigates – Wicher, Burza and Huragan. The ships will replace the ageing Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates ORP Gen. K. Pułaski and ORP Gen. T. Kościuszko, providing the Polish Navy with modern platforms capable of air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as participation in allied operations.

According to representatives of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), the programme has both operational and industrial significance.

- The Miecznik programme is a cornerstone of the Polish Navy’s modernisation and demonstrates the ability of PGZ Naval Shipyard to deliver projects of strategic importance for national security. Each milestone confirms the systematic development of domestic shipbuilding capabilities through investment in infrastructure, technology and human capital, said Jan Grabowski, Vice President of the Management Board of PGZ.

Construction of the second frigate is progressing in parallel with work on the lead ship of the class. Hull assembly of the future ORP Wicher is currently at an advanced stage.

- The keel laying of Burza confirms that the Miecznik programme is being implemented consistently and in line with the schedule. It is the largest challenge in the modern history of our shipyard, but also clear proof of our readiness to build complex naval vessels to the highest technological standards, said Marcin Ryngwelski, President of the Management Board of PGZ Naval Shipyard.

The Miecznik-class frigates will have a full displacement of approximately 7,000 tonnes and an overall length of nearly 140 metres. They will be equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems for detecting, tracking and engaging air, surface and subsurface threats. With a range of around 8,000 nautical miles and the ability to operate for several weeks without replenishment, the ships will be capable of long-duration deployments in the Baltic Sea and beyond.

Following the ceremony, guests visited the shipyard’s hull assembly hall, where construction work on the future ORP Wicher is ongoing.

The Miecznik programme is being carried out by the PGZ-Miecznik Consortium in cooperation with the UK-based company Babcock International and a group of technology partners, including Thales and MBDA, which supply key combat and sensor systems. Delivery of the frigates to the Polish Navy is scheduled for 2029–2031.

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Kamil Kusier
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ORP Burza ORP Wicher program Miecznik PGZ Stocznia Wojenna budowa okrętów