Poland launches construction of second Miecznik-class frigate: ORP Burza begins to take shape

On May 5th, 2025, at PGZ Naval Shipyard in Gdynia, the official steel cutting ceremony marked the beginning of construction for the second Miecznik-class multi-role frigate – the future ORP Burza. The event was attended by senior government, military, and industry leaders, symbolizing another key step in the transformation of the Polish Navy under the Miecznik program.

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05 may 2025   |   15:41   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Kamil Kusier / Gazeta Morska

The first ship in the class, ORP Wicher, is currently undergoing modular assembly. It is scheduled to be launched in the summer of 2026, with full operational readiness expected by 2029. The entire program, which includes three advanced surface combatants, will conclude with the commissioning of the third ship – ORP Huragan – by the end of 2031.

Frigates for deterrence and defense

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the broader context and goals of the program.

– Out of our ambition and responsibility comes the Miecznik program, with the Burza frigate now joining Wicher, and soon Huragan. These three ships will be fully armed and mission-capable, built to deter and defend. This is a major investment program worth billions of zlotys when including armament, integration, and lifecycle operation.

The Miecznik-class frigates, based on the British Arrowhead 140 design, are part of Poland’s strategic effort to reinforce NATO deterrence capabilities in the Baltic Sea. The ships will serve in maritime surveillance, coastal base protection, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as air defense – both independently and within alliance frameworks.

Kosiniak-Kamysz also referred to increasing hybrid threats in the region, such as sabotage against undersea infrastructure and airspace violations, noting that Poland and NATO are responding with robust countermeasures.

– We are strengthening deterrence and defense potential step by step. We need the best modern equipment – like in the Miecznik program – and the new frigate under construction at our best shipyard.

Industry transformation led by PGZ and the Navy

The ceremony was hosted at PGZ Naval Shipyard, the main technical contractor within the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium. The event was attended by prominent guests including Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, Minister of Family and Social Policy; Beata Rutkiewicz, Pomeranian Voivode; Aleksandra Kosiorek, Mayor of Gdynia; and senior Navy leadership including the Inspector of the Polish Navy and the Commander of the 3rd Flotilla of Ships.

Jan Grabowski, Member of the Management Board of PGZ S.A., highlighted the long-term industrial benefits of the project.

– Working for national and NATO security by delivering modern capabilities for the Polish Armed Forces is part of PGZ’s DNA. Miecznik is one of the most ambitious and complex defense projects ever carried out by the Polish industry, with foreign partner support and significant involvement at both military and governmental levels. Through this flagship initiative, we are acquiring technologies, infrastructure, and know-how that will enable us to build more ships for the Navy and for allied fleets.

Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Naval Shipyard, noted the readiness and commitment of the yard.

– Today’s steel cutting for ORP Burza is another major step in the largest shipbuilding program in the history of the Polish Navy. Our shipyard is well-prepared – we’ve modernized our infrastructure and continuously upskill our 800-strong workforce. Miecznik is not just about building three advanced frigates – it’s about transforming our entire shipbuilding capability. The experience we’re gaining today will allow us to tackle the next challenges of fleet modernization in the future.

PGZ Naval Shipyard has secured all necessary materials for the construction of all three Miecznik frigates, ensuring schedule reliability and continuity of production – a point that reflects the effective management of Ryngwelski and the strong performance of the entire shipbuilding team.

Miecznik-Class Frigates – key specifications

The Miecznik program’s foundation is the Arrowhead 140 platform, currently being used by the Royal Navy in its Type 31 (Inspiration-class) frigates under construction at Rosyth, Scotland. Poland's adaptation focuses on versatility, modularity, and compatibility with NATO systems.

Key parameters:

• Overall length: ~138 meters
• Beam: ~20 meters
• Height: ~10 meters (main deck)
• Maximum displacement: ~7,000 tons
• Range: ~8,000 nautical miles
• Maximum speed: 28 knots
• Propulsion: 4 diesel engines in CODAD configuration, 2 controllable pitch propellers
• Crew: 120 + up to 60 additional personnel

The construction of ORP Wicher is progressing at PGZ Naval Shipyard and nearby CRIST S.A. facilities. With secure material supply, full design integration, and strong government backing, the Miecznik program is steadily moving toward reshaping Poland’s naval capabilities for the decades ahead.

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PGZ Stocznia Wojenna Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa marynarka wojenna rp program miecznik orp burza

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