Defence & Space

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

IFRE 2025: Communication Systems From INVISIO at the Megmar Booth

At the 5th International Fire Protection & Rescue Exhibition KIELCE IFRE-EXPO, Megmar presented the offerings of the Danish company INVISIO.…

2025-06-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland: Buffer zone on the border with Belarus extended for another 90 days

The Minister of the Interior and Administration has signed a regulation introducing a temporary ban on presence in a designated area within the…

2025-06-11 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Galvion awarded FBI contract for their Hellbender FE helmet

Galvion announces the successful award of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contract for their Galvion Hellbender Federal Edition (FE) helmet…

2025-06-09 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

What is the GBU-57A/B MOP Bomb?

In recent days, thousands of internet users have been asking the question: What is the GBU-57A/B MOP bomb? In the…

2025-06-23 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

SIG NEXT 2025: Long Gun – New 516-MOHAWK

As part of this year’s lineup of new products, SIG Sauer has unveiled a new version of its piston-driven AR-15 –…

2025-06-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: New Handguns – P211-GTO and More

The SIG NEXT 2025 event took place from June 17 to 19, during which the American manufacturer showcased its latest firearms…

2025-06-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Mactronic M-Fire Guardian – A New Flashlight for Professionals

Mactronic is introducing a new angle flashlight, the M-Fire Guardian. According to the manufacturer, it is the first angle flashlight with red…

2025-06-04 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

UF PRO Introduces Waist/Flex Belts to Its Product Line

UF PRO, a Slovenian manufacturer of professional apparel and part of the Mehler Systems group, is adding a new accessory to its lineup…

2025-06-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 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

SIG NEXT 2025: Long Gun – New 516-MOHAWK

As part of this year’s lineup of new products, SIG Sauer has unveiled a new version of its piston-driven AR-15 –…

2025-06-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: New Handguns – P211-GTO and More

The SIG NEXT 2025 event took place from June 17 to 19, during which the American manufacturer showcased its latest firearms…

2025-06-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 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

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

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 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

Presidential elections and the future of the Polish Navy

In summer 2020, during an election rally in Lebork, incumbent president Andrzej Duda referred to the current condition of the Polish Navy, expressing an opinion that the defense budget should have a portion dedicated specifically to the development of naval forces.

‘I told the minister [of defense – MILMAG] that I want a part of the 2.5% of GDP spent on defense and modernization of Polish Army to be statutorily dedicated for the Polish Navy. The service needs to be rebuilt, and it needs to have guaranteed modernization funds each year. The minister said he will support my push for this project in the government.’ said President Duda.

That statement was clearly related to the candidate’s previous visit to the military training grounds in Ustka, where he overlooked Anakonda-20 multinational exercise, and to an electoral campaign for the upcoming presidential elections, which 2nd round took place on 12th July, leading to re-election of President Duda. How does it relate to the actual condition of the Polish Navy, though?

Polish Navy run aground

Current condition of the Polish Navy can be, without exaggeration, called critical. Its operational capabilities have been diminishing for years. Despite numerous announcements and declarations, none of the central governments over time managed to stop the degradation process. Currently, the Polish Navy operates 35 vessels classified as combat ships. Only two of those are new naval units: ORP Kormoran, a mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) of the Kormoran II-class, commissioned on 28th November 2017, and offshore patrol vessel, ORP Ślązak, commissioned exactly two years later — 28th November 2019. Event with these two platforms taken into account, the average age of Polish combat ships is currently over 32 years!

If one breaks down Polish Navy’s combat fleet into specific vessel categories, the situation gets even worse. For instance, the Polish Navy currently operates 3 conventional submarines: a 34-years old ORP Orzeł, of the project 877E / Kilo-class and two ex-Norwegian Kobben-class vessels: ORP Sęp and ORP Bielik aged around 53-54 years. At the time being, ORP Orzeł has been subject to never-ending repairs and maintenance works, far from reaching full operational capability. Initially, the Navy planned to keep the vessel in service for 35 years, which means that it should be phased out by 2022. However, in current circumstances, it seems completely infeasible.

Also the two Kobben-class submarines present  minimal operational and combat capabilities, therefore they should have been phased out years ago. When they were acquired by the Polish Navy in the early 2000’s, along with the already decommissioned ORP Kondor and ORP Sokół, having formerly served with the Norwegian fleet for approx. 40 years, they were expected to be kept in service by 2015-16. However, they are in use until today, but mostly for training purposes, as they no longer present any capable combat force on the modern battlefield.

All of the large combat ships of the Polish Navy in a single frame. Two 40-year old Oliver Hazard Perry-class missile frigates, ORP Kaszub and ORP Ślązak.

The fleet of Polish Navy’s large surface vessels includes: two missile frigates ORP Gen. K. Pułaski and ORP Gen. T. Kościuszko of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class, project 620D corvette ORP Kaszub, and project 621 corvette ORP Ślązak. Both OHP-class missile frigates have seriously limited combat capabilities, practically incapable of using anti-ship Harpoon missiles, which were never acquired in significant numbers. They also lack proper surface-to-air missile capabilities. Ironically, despite these operational inabilities, problems in procuring potential replacements, leads to the situation, in which these two vessels will have to be kept in service for the time being.

Poland has the largest minesweeper fleet in NATO. It’s mostly composed of project 207 minesweepers grouped in the 12th minesweeper squadron in Świnoujście and 13th minesweeper squadron operating in Gdynia.

However, they are more probable to be used for training purposes than in individual or multinational operational detachments. It is worth noting that both OHP-class vessels were originally supposed to be decommissioned in 2015-2016, just like the Kobben-class submarines. Furthermore, according to original plans also the ORP Kaszub should be phased out by 2017, reaching 30 years in service.

The only combat-ready ships of the Polish Navy, capable of engaging naval targets with missile weapons, are three project-660M fast attack crafts: ORP Orkan, Piorun, and Grom. All of them, while younger than the previously mentioned vessels, aren’t exactly brand new units. They are between 25 and 28 years old, and are getting close to the end of their planned 30-years long service life.

Poland has the largest minesweeper fleet in NATO. It’s mostly composed of project 207 minesweepers grouped in the 12th minesweeper squadron in Świnoujście and 13th minesweeper squadron operating in Gdynia.

ORP Czajka – younger of the two project 206FM minesweepers. The vessel was commissioned in June 1967.

ORP Kraków – one of five project 767 vessels. These amphibious assault ships were reclassified as minelayer-transport ships after the fall of Communism, and are relatively young compared to other Polish Navy vessels.

The Polish Navy poses a significant number of mine warfare vessels in its service. Its fleet is composed of as many as 20 ships, grouped in two naval squadrons: 12th Wolin Minesweeper Squadron in Świnoujście and 13th Minesweeper Squadron “Fleet Admiral Andrzej Karweta” in Gdynia. Aside from the aforementioned ORP Kormoran, the Polish Navy continuously operates 2 project 206FM minesweepers: ORP Flaming and ORP Czajka, as well as 17 project 207DM/P/M minesweepers. The latter vessels are significantly younger, as they entered service in 1982-1994, therefore the youngest vessel has just over 25 years. However, despite their age, these vessels present minimal operational capabilities and do not meet the requirements of the modern battlefield.

Interestingly, the fleet of Polish mine warfare vessels is the sole, which undergoes a minimal modernization process, initiated in September 2013 with the launch of the Kormoran II programme. Under this initiative the Polish Navy should receive up to three project 253 Kormoran II-class minehunters, the first of which is already operational.

The last category of warfare vessels in the Polish Navy is the Lublin-class (Project 767) ships. They entered service in 1989-1991, therefore are currently 29-31 years old. Initially, they played a role of classis landing ships, gaining minelaying capability over time.

Plans, plans, plans...

The Polish Navy has been in critical condition for many years, and the current situation did not appear unexpectedly. It was decades ago, when the Polish MoD and the Naval command should take decision about procurement of a number of modern surface and subsurface vessels, as well as gradual modernization of most capable ones currently in service. This would allow the fleet to avoid the current situation.

However, it was not until 2013, when the first such decision was taken. The MoD and Naval command accepted a multi-year Technical Modernization Plan of the Polish Armed Forces (TMP), which included one significantly important project: Countering threats at sea. Among other initiative, the project called for procurement of 36 new combat and auxiliary vessels.

The 2013 TMP called for procurement of, among others, 3 conventional submarines (Orka programme), 3 corvettes / coastal defense vessels (Miecznik programme), 3 offshore patrol vessels with mine-hunting capabilities (Czapla programme), Ślązak-class offshore patrol vessel and 3 Kormoran-class mine-hunting vessels, as well as 23 auxiliary vessels: 2 reconnaissance vessels (Delfin programme), 3 rescue ships (Ratownik programme), survey vessel (Hydrograf programme), joint support ship (Marlin programme), logistical ship (Bałtyk programme), logistical supply ship (Supply programme), 6 tugboats (Holownik programme), 6 small transport crafts (Transhol programme), demagnetization vessel (Magneto programme) and an ecological barque (Ekotank programme).

Construction of three Kormoran II-class minehunters is the only procurement / construction project of the Polish Navy that is lead according to initial plans

What is the status of these projects seven years after their announcement? Pretty disappointing. Until today only two procurement projects were launched, however, both were approved before the aforementioned 2013 TMP bill was officially passed. These relates to the 23rd September 2013 annexation of the contract for Gawron-class multipurpose corvette, which was in construction, downgrading it into an offshore patrol vessel, the future ORP Ślązak. The second project was a contract for construction of a prototype project 258 Kormoran II minehunter, with an option for two more ships of that class. Both programmes were assumed to be completed by the end of 2016.

In practice, the construction of the former ORP Gawron (the future ORP Ślązak) was significantly delayed. The vessel, which was originally planned as the lead ship of the 7-vessel strong corvette squadron based on the MEKO-A100 design, was launched on 2nd July 2015. The event was preceded by a series of technical launches. Over the next 4 years the vessel undergone further works, which included installation of onboard equipment and a series of harbor/sea trials. In the meantime, the ship’s main contractor had changed. Assets of the bankrupt SMW shipyard were taken over by a new PGZ Stocznia Wojenna company, which slowed down the project. Construction of the vessel was eventually finalized on 8th November 2019, almost 18 years since its beginning.

ORP Ślązak – initially designed as project 621 multipurpose corvette, was finished as project 621M patrol corvette.

The second document signed in 2013 called for construction of a prototype Kormoran II-class minehunter. According to the document, the finalization of the vessel’s prototype should take place by the end of 2016. The contract included options for two serial production Kormoran II-class vessels, following the successful finalization of a series of harbor and sea trails of the first one. According to the initial schedule, serial production minehunters were to enter service in 2019 and 2022.

However, completion of the tests of the prototype Kormoran II-class vessel was delayed by one year compared to initial plans. Their successful finalization eventually led to contracting two serial production ships. The contract for future minehunters was signed on 24th December 2017. It had a value of 1,186 billion Polish Zloty ($311 million).

This closes the list of naval procurement projects launched under the 2013 TMP. Other programmes, such as the planned procurement of 2-3 Orka-class conventional submarines, has so far failed to reach its initial milestones. Today, the project is listed as a priority under the current TMP for the period 2021-2035. However, its successful finalization is doubtful, as the MoD and the Naval command have yet to present a specific plan for selection of the preferred vessel’s design, its construction and commissioning.

ORP Orzeł, Polish Navy’s youngest, yet not fully operational, conventional submarine. A 34 years-old vessels hardly can be considered a modern platform capable of meeting requirements of the today’s and future battlefield.

Due to their age and obsolescence, the two presented Kobben-class submarines are suitable only for crew training. ORP Sęp is the oldest vessel serving under the Polish banner. In August 2020, 54 year passed since its commissioning by the Norwegian Navy.

ORP Lech – a project 570M rescue vessel. It was supposed to be replaced in 2022 by a more modern platform. However, in April 2020 the Armaments Inspectorate cancelled the contract for a new platform of this type.

The project for the construction of six new tugboats is well underway. However, it is questionable if those are the most needed vessels in the current situation and if their purchase was rational

With the depleting fleet of currently operated obsolete submarines, the Polish MoD decided to implement a temporary solution. In November 2019 the MoD announced its intention to acquire two ex-Swedish Södermanland-class submarines (a modernized A17 Västergötland-class). The project is in the intergovernmental analysis phase and only initial discussions with the Swedish authorities have been made. Therefore, at the moment it’s difficult to predict if it will lead to any positive results.

Other shipbuilding plans have so far resulted in nothing. The number of Miecznik-class coastal defense vessels planned for construction was cut from 3 to 2 units, while the Czapla-class patrol ships were cut from the Navy’s procurement list. Instead, the service introduced a plan of building a series of smaller Murena-class missile ships. This leaves the Navy with a possibility of building a series of multirole frigates, which would replace OHP-class ORP Pułaski and ORP Kościuszko.

One also can’t ignore the fact that a few years ago Poland made an attempt to replace its old OHP-class vessels with a number of ex-Australian Adelaide-class vessels, which are based on a very similar design. In August 2018, during his visit to Australia, President Andrzej Duda signed a letter of intent for the purchase of two such ships by Poland, though the possibility of the deal was later blocked by the Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki.

Technical Modernization Plan And Declaration

Why are we referring to the realization of a TMP, which was introduced seven years ago and already replaced with a new one? The reason that there’s something that connects the document to recent announcements made by the President Duda. A year before the approval of the TMP 2013 the then minister of defense, Tomasz Siemoniak, presented a conceptual project for development of the Polish Navy, which was the basis for future discussions on various modernization plans. It was assumed at that time, that the realization of those plans will be financed with a sum of 900 million Polish Zloty ($236 million) per year.

When the TMP 2013 was introduced, it was already obvious that the sum won’t suffice to finance all the programs included in the plan. The more realistic estimates showed that it would require at least 1,5-2 billion Polish Zloty ($394 – $525 million) per year and exceeding to 2,5 billion Polish Zloty ($656 million) in peak years. That gives us a glimpse of the true costs of development of the Polish Navy’s modern combat capabilities to a shape envisioned by Polish MoD’s planners. Compared to 2013-old plans, the current situation only deteriorated. Over the last years no significant decisions regarding construction of new ships for Polish Navy have been. In result, accumulation of future modernization/procurement-related expenses will be even greater.

What does that mean in practice? In recent years annual overall expenses for the TMP varied between 9,3 billion and 12,5 billion Polish Zloty ($2,4 billion – $3,2 billion). Specifically, they reached 9,2 billion ($2,4 billion) in 2017, 12,5 billion ($3,2 billion) in 2018 and 10,8 billion ($2,8 billion) in 2019. What share of that financial pie could the Polish Navy get in following years? Recent announcements made by President Duda during the election campaign included no solid numbers. We don’t know if the Navy would receive a fixed sum (how big?) or a share of the technical modernization funds (what percentage?). Vague statements of guaranteed funds don’t really say anything.

Also, let’s note that President Duda spoke of dedicated funds within the context of a planned increase of Poland’s defense expenditure to the level of 2,5% GDP. However, it is still only a plan for the future. Would the dedicated naval budget appear then? The revised law from 25th May 2001 regarding the modernization and financing of Polish Armed Forces assumes reaching such level of expenditures in 2030.

Méndez Núñez, Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate of the Spanish Navy. Such ship, as a successor of Polish Navy’s OHP-class frigates, would meet the country’s operational and security requirements

Danish frigate Iver Huitfeld. One of the most affordable vessels in its category – another alternative for the Polish Navy’s OHP-class based frigate fleet.

SD-13 is one of two B208 demagnetisation stations still in service. They are relicts of the Cold War and no longer in use of NATO fleets. Procurement of their replacement is planned under the name Magneto.

ORP Heweliusz, one of two hydrographic ships in the Polish Navy.

The National Security Strategy of the Republic of Poland, approved by President Duda on 12th May 2020, pushes for boosting the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces by increasing defense spending to 2,5% GPD by 2024. However, its goal remains purely within the sphere of declarations, especially in the context of economic uncertainty caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Let’s not fool ourselves, that declaration can’t be treated as a realistic proposal. Lack of details and vagueness prevents us from treating it seriously. We should add it to countless pre-election promises intended to cause an impression of the presidential interest in all the spheres of life.

 

Article previously published on MILMAG 03/2020

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