Poland Rolls Out First New-Generation Frigate Under $3.5 Billion Naval Modernisation Plan
The 15 billion zloty program aims to replace aging frigates and add air-defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities.
- On Thursday, Poland launched its first new-generation multi-role frigate, ORP Wicher, into the Gulf of GdaDsk following a Wednesday christening ceremony at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna shipyard in Gdynia.
- Wicher is the first of three frigates built under the PLN 15 billion Miecznik programme, designed to replace ageing Cold War-era Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates as the Polish Navy's primary combat vessels.
- Based on Britain's Arrowhead 140 design, the frigates integrate advanced CAMM air-defence missiles and anti-ship weapons. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki attended the ceremony, presenting a rare show of unity.
- Operating alongside NATO's Standing Naval Forces, these warships will protect critical shipping lanes and energy infrastructure, reflecting Poland's defence procurement strategy driven by regional security concerns since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Construction continues on two remaining frigates, with the full programme scheduled for completion by end of 2031, while Poland expands capabilities through a £4.5 billion deal for three Swedish-made A26 stealth submarines.
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Sensors, weaponry, and a command system – in these three aspects, the ships from the Miecznik program will be world-class. "The ORP Wicher frigate is a Mercedes among ships of its class," said Lieutenant Commander Grzegorz Galikowski, commander of the new unit.
First Polish Type 31 frigate derivative, ORP Wicher launched in Gdynia - Navy Lookout
The first of Poland’s new Miecznik-class frigates, ORP Wicher, has been launched in Gdynia, marking a major milestone in the renewal of the Polish Navy and another success for the British-designed Arrowhead 140 frigate. The 140-metre warship was lowered into the Bay of Gdańsk today using a semi-submersible barge following a complex operation to move […] The post First Polish Type 31 frigate derivative, ORP Wicher launched in Gdynia first appeare…
Poland unveils first warship under major naval modernisation programme
Keep our news free from ads and paywalls by making a donation to support our work! Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support. Poland has unveiled its first frigate to enter service in decades at a ceremony in the Baltic Sea port of Gdynia, where the ship was constructed. The developmen…
Poland Rolls Out First New-Generation Frigate Under $3.5 Billion Naval Modernisation Plan
Image Credits: Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa Poland has started the launch process for its first new-generation multi-role frigate, ORP Wicher, as part of a PLN 15 billion ($3.49 billion) programme to modernise its navy. The hull of Wicher was moved partly out of its construction hall at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna shipyard in Gdynia on Sunday. The ship is due to be formally named and christened on Wednesday before being launched into the Gulf of Gdańsk…
For the purposes of the PGZ "Miecznik" program, the Gdynia Naval Shipyard underwent a thorough modernization. How long did it take and how much did it cost? Marcin Ryngwelski, President of the Management Board of PGZ Naval Shipyard: It's not a matter of a few months. Construction work began in March 2023, but it was preceded by almost two years of preparations – design, approvals, and permits. Key production facilities were commissioned in 2024,…
Poland Launches First Miecznik Frigate Configured for NATO Baltic Air Defense
Poland’s Navy launched ORP Wicher into the waters of Gdansk Bay on August 13, putting the country’s largest new surface combatant since the interwar period in the water and opening the outfitting phase of a PLN 15 billion (approximately $3.8 billion) naval modernization program that has been underway since 2021. Meldujemy, że #Wicher zwodowany💪 pic.twitter.com/KAmtQ8B1G0 […]
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