Defence & Space

Thales to provide sonar suite for future Netherlands’ Orka-class submarines

Thales, a long-standing partner of both Naval Group and the Royal Netherlands Navy, will provide a comprehensive suite of high-performance sonar systems…

2025-03-20 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meeting at the Polish Ministry of National Defence with the Director of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA)

A meeting took place in Warsaw between Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, and Emmanuel…

2025-03-19 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Run-flat inserts – an essential component of modern military wheeled vehicles

For many years, it has been observed that wheeled chassis purchased and operated by the armed forces require additional equipment to enable…

2025-03-07 | Radosław Niesobski | 4 minutes

When Trump Plays with Putin – Europe Must Arm Itself

Donald Trump makes it clear that Europe must defend itself and take care of its own security. It has taken…

2025-02-21 | Sławek Zagórski | 4 minutes

Meeting at the Polish Ministry of National Defence with the Director of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA)

A meeting took place in Warsaw between Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, and Emmanuel…

2025-03-19 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Rafael and Elbit Systems to supply an EW Solution for NATO European Countries Frigates

Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. and Elbit Systems Ltd. have been awarded a contract to supply a cutting-edge Naval Decoy Control & Launching…

2025-03-18 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Polish Ministry Of National Defense: Quantum key distribution is a breakthrough in the security of state entity communications

A presentation of research findings on the use of quantum key distribution in state communications was held at the Club of…

2025-03-17 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

Curtiss-Wright to support USMC’s Combat Data Network Program

Curtiss-Wright Receives $18 million follow-on order from U.S. Marine Corps to support Combat Data Network Program with Tactical Communications.

2025-03-08 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Bambi Bucket Firefighting Baskets at Verticon 2025

During the Verticon 2025 air show in Dallas, the Canadian company SEI Industries showcased its Bambi Bucket firefighting baskets.

2025-03-17 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Airbus Helicopters at Verticon 2025

During the Verticon 2025 aviation fair in Dallas, the European company Airbus Helicopters (a part of the Airbus Group) showcased its…

2025-03-17 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

Thales to provide sonar suite for future Netherlands’ Orka-class submarines

Thales, a long-standing partner of both Naval Group and the Royal Netherlands Navy, will provide a comprehensive suite of high-performance sonar systems…

2025-03-20 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meeting at the Polish Ministry of National Defence with the Director of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA)

A meeting took place in Warsaw between Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, and Emmanuel…

2025-03-19 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

FFS-class H135 helicopter simulator for the Polish Air Rescue Service

The Polish Air Rescue Service (LPR) has published information on the launch of a tender for the delivery and installation of…

2025-03-17 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Leonardo at Verticon 2025 in Dallas

Italian group Leonardo has announced a series of agreements signed at Verticon 2025, the world’s largest event for the global vertical…

2025-03-13 | Redakcja | 20 minutes

Thales to provide sonar suite for future Netherlands’ Orka-class submarines

Thales, a long-standing partner of both Naval Group and the Royal Netherlands Navy, will provide a comprehensive suite of high-performance sonar systems…

2025-03-20 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meeting at the Polish Ministry of National Defence with the Director of the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA)

A meeting took place in Warsaw between Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, and Emmanuel…

2025-03-19 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Further Polish-Korean Talks at the Polish Ministry of National Defense

Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda met in Warsaw with Hyunki Cho, Deputy Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program…

2025-03-07 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

France is considering deploying Rafale jets with nuclear weapons in Germany

As reported by The Telegraph, after a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump, the Élysée Palace is…

2025-02-26 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Thales Alenia Space to develop the navigation system orbiting around the Moon

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with Telespazio to design and develop the space segment of the Navigation System and satellite…

2025-03-14 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Cooperation Agreement between Radmor and WiRan

The Gdynia-based companies Radmor and WiRan have signed a cooperation agreement for the development of projects in the space industry. The…

2025-02-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X and TLR-8 HL-X sub

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X flashlight with an integrated laser sight, producing a beam with up to 1,000 lumens of power, offering…

2025-03-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20 for civilian shooters

Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom, a member of the Polish Armaments Group, has introduced the semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20…

2025-03-11 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X and TLR-8 HL-X sub

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X flashlight with an integrated laser sight, producing a beam with up to 1,000 lumens of power, offering…

2025-03-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

IWA 2025: Leupold’s New Products

In a short video report from IWA OutdoorClassics 2025, a Leupold representative discusses the key new products for this year.

2025-03-10 | Michał Ihnatów | 1 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025: Source Tactical with Ballistic Protection for Women

At the Source Tactical booth, not only popular hydration systems were showcased, but also personal ballistic protection—including armor specifically designed…

2025-02-26 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

CuraheeGear introduces the TF-50 uniform set to its product lineup

CuraheeGear introduces the TF-50 uniform set, which includes pants designed specifically for the Commando Military Unit (Jednostka Wojskowa Komandosów) in…

2025-02-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20 for civilian shooters

Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom, a member of the Polish Armaments Group, has introduced the semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20…

2025-03-11 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

IWA 2025: WBP Rogów presents Piast rifle

The Wytwórnia Broni Jacek Popiński (WBP Rogów) is presenting a highly anticipated new product at the IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 trade fair…

2025-02-27 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

TEST: Direct Action Vanguard Uniform

The Vanguard is a uniform set from the Polish brand Direct Action, designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers. There are…

2025-01-19 | Michał Gaweł | 18 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Is there any hope for the Polish Navy’s submarine fleet?

The Polish Ministry of Defense intends to decommission two remaining Kobben-class conventional submarines, ORP Sep and ORP Bielik, by the end of 2021. With the planned withdrawal of these vessels the Polish Navy’s submarine fleet will be left with only one ship of this type, the Soviet-era Kilo-class ORP Orzel. With no realistic plans of acquiring new generation submarines, the fleet will lose most of its operational capabilities, limiting its potential to conducting non-complex operations at sea.

Final goodbye to the Kobben-class

/ Photo by: kpt. mar. Anna Sech / 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: kpt. mar. Anna Sech / 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: 3rd Ship Flotilla

In early January the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate (Inspektorat Wsparcia Sił Zbrojnych) informed that by the end of 2021 remaining two Kobben-class conventional submarines, ORP Sęp (295) and ORP Bielik (297) will be definitely withdrawn from service.

Decision about their decommissioning has been taken due to the age of the vessels, which originally entered service with the Norwegian Navy in 1960’s, as well as their worsening technical condition. Costly repairs, lack of proper maintenance equipment and spare parts, result in significant limitation of submarines’ operational capabilities. In fact, for the past several years they were mostly used for training of submarine crews and new cadets and Baltic Sea limited exercises.

In the early 2000’s Poland acquired five Kobben-class submarines from Norway, including one which was used as a source of spare parts. Their acquisition was presented as an interim solution, intended to maintain the operational capability of Poland’s submarine fleet, which at that time was shrinking due to the gradual withdrawal of the old Soviet-era vessels.

Acquisition of Kobben-class submarines was intended to precede the procurement of next generation vessels of the Western origin. However, due to the change in Polish Armed Forces’ investment priorities, naval project lost much of its importance, and de facto were sidelined by procurement of new weapon systems for the army and air force.

The process of gradual withdrawal of Kobben-class submarines was launched in late 2017, when the first vessel, ORP Kondor was decommissioned. Shortly after it was followed by ORP Sokół, which left the service in June 2018.

The submarine fleet shrinking drastically

/ Photo by: kmdr ppor. Radosław Pioch / 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: kmdr ppor. Radosław Pioch / 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: kmdr ppor. Radosław Pioch / 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: kmdr ppor. Radosław Pioch / 3rd Ship Flotilla

With the final two Kobben-class submarines planned for withdrawal, the Polish Navy’s submarine fleet will be left only with the single Soviet-era Kilo-class ORP Orzel vessel.

In mid-January the vessel concluded a five-days long training period and returned to the Naval Base Gdynia. The recently finalized training precedes a series of tests which will evaluate the readiness of the vessel and its crew to commence operations at sea.

During the training session the crew of ORP Orzeł conducted a series of operations in a simulated wartime environment. It included such scenarios as protection of sea routes, shipping and navigation control or search for, localization and tracking of enemy’s vessels, establishing communications with allied vessels, self-defense and emergency crew rescue.

For the last  couple of years ORP Orzeł has undergone a series of repairs and monetization, during which the vessel remained out of service. Three years ago a fire broke out on the submarine while it was undergoing maintenance work at the Gdynia Naval Base.

However, despite lengthened overhaul of ORP Orzeł and significant cost overrun of the project, the Polish Navy announced in mid-2019 its intention to keep the vessel in service for at least another decade.

In relation to this announcement the Polish MoD signed a contract for overhaul and repair of eight 533mm 53-65KE torpedoes, which constitute the main armament of the Polish submarine. The deal was signed with a Warsaw-based Thormex company. It has a value of 11.3 million Polish Zloty ($346 000).

Although most of maintenance and repairs works on ORP Orzeł have already been finalized, the vessel is still far from reaching its final operational capability.

Limited operational and training capabilities

/ Photo by: 3rd Ship Flotilla

/ Photo by: kmdr ppor. Radosław Pioch / 3rd Ship Flotilla

With its submarine fleet limited to a sole ORP Orzeł, the Polish Navy will lack the proper operational capabilities to meet its requirements. Protection of Poland’s interests at sea, especially in the area of the Baltic Sea, which is an are specifically difficult for submarines to operate in, won’t be possible to the extend envisioned by authorities.

Furthermore, Polish Navy won’t be able to meet its international obligations, resulting from country’s membership in NATO. Poland, due to its strategic location within the area of the Baltic Sea, would play a significant role in any potential conflict between the Alliance and Russia. In the nearest future the country will not only be able to protect its own sea lines and thwart any plans of setting up a blockade of Poland’s ports and naval bases, but will also find it difficult to participate in any multinational combat operations within its area of responsibility.

What is even more frustrating, is the fact that with the submarine fleet limited to only one vessel, which by the way is still far from reaching its final operational capability, the Navy won’t be able to conduct proper training and skill improvement of submarine crews or new cadets.

In result, a number of submarines will most likely have to be transferred to other squadrons and operate on surface vessels, while others might simply leave the service. The fleet will be left with dropping numbers of officers capable of operating a vessel of this type.

Now bright sign of replacement vessels

/ Image by: Thyssemkrupp Marine Systems

/ Photo by: Naval Group

A26

 / Image by: SAAB Kockums

For the last couple of years the Polish MoD aimed at filling the gap in the Polish Navy’s submarine fleet by the procurement of a series of next generation vessels of this type. Under the ‘Orka’ programme the department planned to establish cooperation with one of the companies, which specializes in the design and production of conventional, diesel-electric submarines.

The programme called for the acquisition of 2-3 next generation submarines, equipped with the air-independent propulsion system and, if possible, capable of launching cruise missiles.

This cruise missile requirement was supposed to improve the operational capability of future Polish submarines, by enabling them to attack enemy targets, whether particular units or structure on the battlefield or objects far from enemy lines, while operating outside of the direct area of warfare, e.g. on the Northern or Norwegian seas.

The ‘Orka’ programme attracted a number of European manufacturers, such as the German thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, French Naval Group and Swedish Saab. Each company spared no efforts and resources on the promotion of their offers and presentation of promising visions of industrial cooperation in Poland, which would result from the procurement deal.

For instead, the German thyssenkrupp Marine Systems offered not only the procurement of modern type 212CD conventional submarines, but also a prospect of industrial cooperation, which could have lead to setting up local production and assembly of submarines manufactured by the German company for its numerous export clients. This would also be a solution to relive the company’s shipyard in Kiel.

Furthermore, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems also offered its training services for the Polish submarine crews, which would allow the Navy to maintain a number of trained and experiences naval personnel. Otherwise, the fleet would lose the manpower required to operate remaining ORP Orzeł submarine, or the vessels planned for procurement under the ‘Orka’ programme. Training of new submarines, only after next generation vessels are acquired, would take many years and hamper the whole rearming process.

Other companies interested in the ‘Orka’ programme offered their most renowned submarines, the French Scorpène and Swedish A26. In addition, Naval Group and Saab presented their vision of establishing or improving cooperation with the local defence and shipbuilding industries. As a sign of good faith the Saab outsources significant part of the construction of the new Swedish SIGINT vessel to Poland.

However, despite a lot of time and effort spent by bidding companies and Polish authorities, the ‘Orka’ programme so far did not lead to the procurement of anticipated submarines. Furthermore, the whole project seems to have been downgraded by the current authorities at the MoD, which don’t see the modernization of the Polish Navy’s subsurface fleet as a priority

What are the other options?

/ Photo by: Swedish MoD

Having failed with the proper finalization of the ‘Orka’ programme, the Polish MoD set a new goal, which called for the implementation of an interim solution – leasing or procurement of two 2nd hand vessels from one of Poland’s regional allies, most likely Germany or Sweden. For the past few years it seemed likely that Warsaw will acquire two ex-Swedish Södermanland-class diesel-electric submarines, HSwMS Södermanland and HSwMS Östergötland. However, until now governments of Poland and Sweden have not reached final agreement.

One the other hand, it is possible that the procurement of two ex-Swedish Södermanland-class submarines will turn out to be not an interim solution, but rather the final result. Just like in the case of the Kobben-class vessels acquired from Norway, which were to serve for no longer than 10 years, Swedish Södermanlands might remain in the Polish fleet for much longer, that it is currently planned. In result, the procurement of next generation submarines will once again be put off in time…again.

Article previously published on MILMAG 04/2020

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