Polish Ministry of National Defence on the Orka Program: Progressing According to Plan and Without Delays

On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Polish Ministry of National Defence published a statement from Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in the response to the open letter from the former crew members of the decommissioned ORP Sokół submarine, concerning the acquisition of new submarines for the Polish Navy under the Orka program.

As stated in the response:

The Armament Agency has already submitted complete documentation — Equipment Requirements and a Feasibility Study, including analyses and recommendations regarding the offers — to the Technical Modernization Council;
The current stage involves intergovernmental consultations, which have been initiated at the level of the Ministry of National Defence;
Such dialogues are standard practice in projects carried out under the government-to-government (G2G) formula, where not only industrial but also strategic and political aspects are key;
The procurement procedure will be formally launched after the consultations are concluded.
This is a well-considered, multi-stage process conducted with due diligence, transparency, and in the interest of national security.

Photo: Ministry Of National Defence

Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of National Defence
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz

Warsaw, June 6, 2025

Gentlemen,
Former crew members of ORP “Sokół”
Sailors of the Polish Navy,

I have received your letter with respect and attention. It is a clear expression of your deep commitment to military service, concern for the maritime security of the Republic of Poland, and your sense of responsibility for the future of the Navy’s submarine forces.

I share your conviction that Poland needs modern submarines. Their significance in a changing security environment—especially in the context of the war on our eastern border and rising tensions in the Baltic Sea region—cannot be overstated. I fully agree that submarine capabilities are a key component of deterrence, reconnaissance, power projection, and the protection of the nation’s strategic maritime interests.

I would like to assure you that the current leadership of the Ministry of National Defence is not avoiding this decision. On the contrary—a complex, multi-stage process is already underway to select a contractor for submarines under the ORKA program. The Armament Agency has already submitted Equipment Requirements and a Feasibility Study to the Technical Modernization Council, including analyses and recommendations regarding the submitted proposals.

Currently, in accordance with the procedures in place for projects of this scale and importance, we are conducting intergovernmental consultations with potential partners. This is a standard phase for projects implemented in the G2G (government-to-government) formula, which considers not only the technical merits of the offers, but also ensures supply security, service support, technology transfer, and long-term strategic cooperation.

Once these consultations are concluded, we will formally initiate the procurement procedure. We are fully aware of the importance of this program for the Polish Navy and the entire national defense system. Our goal is a decision based on knowledge and responsibility—one that ensures real operational readiness, not just declarations.

Thank you for your service, for your voice of concern and patriotism. It is soldiers and veterans like you—faithful to your oath, committed to values and the future of the Polish Armed Forces—who form the foundation of our shared strength.

With respect,
(signature)
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz

On Wednesday, June 4 of this year, a meeting of former crew members of the decommissioned ORP Sokół (retired from service in 2018) took place at the Navy Museum, where the vessel was relocated in November 2023. In connection with this event, an open letter to the Minister of National Defence was published:

Photo: Lobster9999 via X

Dear Prime Minister,
Dear Minister of National Defence,

Open Letter from Former Crew Members of ORP SOKÓŁ

It has been 28 years since efforts began to acquire new-generation submarines for the Polish Navy. During that time, successive governments have failed to make a final decision on procuring modern submarines under the ORKA program. Meanwhile, the Submarine Squadron—one of the oldest continuously existing formations of the Polish Armed Forces—is fading away, with only ORP “Orzeł” remaining in service.

Given the rapidly evolving security environment in the Baltic Sea region, any further delay in decision-making poses a serious threat to Poland’s interests and maritime security. Submarine forces are not only a tool of deterrence but also a strategic component capable of securing maritime communication lines, conducting reconnaissance, special naval operations, and protecting critical maritime infrastructure.

We, the former crew members of ORP Sokół, standing today beneath the museum ship on the anniversary of the Polish Navy flag raising—under which we proudly served since June 4, 2002—call on the Government of the Republic of Poland to take urgent and concrete steps toward rebuilding the submarine forces of the Polish Navy:

The time for honorable declarations has passed — the time for decisions has come.

/former crew members of ORP Sokół/

See Also:

Program #ORKA przebiega zgodnie z planem i bez opóźnień:
–
✅Agencja Uzbrojenia przekazała już do Rady Modernizacji Technicznej pełną dokumentację – Wymagania Sprzętowe oraz Studium Wykonalności, zawierające analizy i rekomendacje dla ofert;
✅Obecnie trwa etap konsultacji… pic.twitter.com/hnpMxUxnOI

— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) June 6, 2025

Szanowny Panie Premierze @donaldtusk
Szanowny Panie Ministrze @KosiniakKamysz
Mamy do Panów prośbę ⬇️
List otwarty załogi ORP Sokół pic.twitter.com/b5wSbbWzmR

— ᒍᗩᖇᕮK ᒍᗩᖇᕮᑕKI 🇵🇱 🇪🇺🏴‍☠️⚓️ (@Lobster9999) June 4, 2025

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Polish Ministry of National Defence on the Orka Program: Progressing According to Plan and Without Delays