On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the first day of the 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2024 at Targi Kielce, the British company Babcock International Group extended its agreement with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) to continue supporting Poland’s Miecznik (“Swordfish”) missile frigate program. The contract was signed through the Project Management Office (PMO) of the program and will be carried out until the delivery of the third ship in 2031.
Jan Grabowski, Member of the Management Board of PGZ, and Phil Craig, Managing Director of International Shipbuilding at Babcock / Photos: Babcock International Group
Babcock’s experts share their knowledge and experience, enabling the company to support Polish partners with technical engineering skills and information exchange, providing them with the ability to dynamically develop various elements of the Miecznik program.
Following the strategic cooperation agreement signed on March 4, 2022, between Babcock and the PGZ-Miecznik Consortium, Babcock secured a contract for design, project management office (PMO) support, and a framework agreement for the transfer of knowledge and technology (TOKAT). The latter provides broader support for the development of the program and allows for an increase in shipbuilding capacity in Poland.
The design license agreement with the PGZ-Miecznik consortium was finalized on August 16, 2023, thereby enabling the construction of three frigates for the Polish Navy.
The support that Babcock will provide to the PGZ-Miecznik consortium throughout the contract period will continue during the subsequent phases, based on close collaboration between the British company and its Polish partners.
Both the British and Polish governments have selected Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 (AH140) design for the construction of next-generation warships. This decision makes Poland, along with other international partners, a member of the global AH140 family.
Babcock employs many personnel in the country to support the program, with the number of employees varying based on demand and the phase of the program schedule. With a rich heritage in the design, development, production, and integration of specialist systems, the company provides partners with expert support and industry best practices to help develop Poland’s sovereign defense capabilities. Additionally, Babcock delivers technical support services throughout the entire operational life of the ships.
Phil Craig, Managing Director of International Shipbuilding, said:
“We are proud to support the Miecznik programme and helping to grow the sovereign defence capability of Poland. Our team provides a critical role in bringing real-time advice and expertise from our longstanding experience in global design, build and support programmes.”
“We are proud to support the Miecznik program and assist in the development of Poland’s sovereign defense capabilities. With our many years of experience in global design, construction, and support programs, our team plays a key role in the project by providing real-time advice and specialist expertise.”
“With plans on developing strategic partnerships in Poland for future defence programmes, and with a long-term goal to be a sustained part of Poland’s armaments ecosystem, our commitment to Poland has been many years in the making and we are pleased to be making a positive impact,”
Jan Grabowski, Member of the Management Board of PGZ, said:
“The quality of a construction depends on the foundations on which it is built. Together with Babcock, we have taken on the challenge of designing and building multi-role frigates for the Polish Navy. Aware of the amount of work and challenges still ahead, we will work together to achieve this goal – strengthening the naval component of the Polish Armed Forces with the Miecznik frigates.”
The company continues to expand its presence as a partner in Poland, supporting the Miecznik program and making an impact on the local economy and communities. Its presence in the country is crucial, with personnel working both at the headquarters in Warsaw and the office in Gdynia.
Workforce and community development
Babcock’s long-term ambition is to establish a lasting presence in Poland. To achieve this, the company has implemented various career development initiatives aimed at identifying and nurturing future talent.
The company recently launched a graduate program to support local talent and provide them with development opportunities within Babcock Poland. It also offers summer internships in collaboration with the Polish Naval Academy.
Babcock and PGZ Naval Shipyard have also jointly launched an intern exchange program, allowing students to travel to each company’s facilities to gain professional experience.
We’re continuing to support our Polish partners, PGZ SA, through the signing of a contract extension which will see us working with Poland’s Miecznik frigate programme until the delivery of ship three in 2031. https://t.co/SIv44zzmap pic.twitter.com/7oLtfXHOYU
— Babcock International (@Babcockplc) September 3, 2024
Press release