Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1220268
Currently it is the latest Polish Navy's surface combatant that would, over the upcoming years, complement the potential of the Frigates and the ORP "Kaszub" corvette. In the future Ślązak would accompany up to 4 Miecznik-class vessels. surface combatants operated by the Polish Navy – two frigates and ORP "Kaszub" corvette are the remaining ones. The other event in Gdynia was the designation of the supplier of the Orka program gap-filler solution: Sweden. The above means that the Swedes could provide Poland with two second-hand submarines that would make it possible to maintain the Subma- rine Squadron potential, following the withdrawal of the Kobben- -class vessels, until the moment when the Orka supplier is se- lected. As admitted by Mariusz Błaszczak, head of the MoD, the parties involved have already begun the negotiation. Should the process be quick it may be assumed that a relevant agreement could potentially be signed until mid-2020, possibly during the Balt Military Expo event held in Gdansk in June. The available Acting against naval, air and asymmetric threats, conducting patrols and protecting the naval routes and escorting merchant vessels are all listed among the missions assigned to the war- ship. The vessel is tailored for sea route monitoring as a part of multinational groups. It may also be used in anti-piracy and counter terrorism operations, with special ops component involved. Ślązak may secure their operations. It may also take part in humanitarian and environmental aid operations. The ar- mament includes Leonardo 76 Super Rapid cannon, two 30 mm unmanned automatic cannons, four .50-cal. machine guns and Grom MANPADS. The stern features a helipad that can accom- modate a helicopter weighing up to 10.5 tons. Unfortunately, as no hangar is available, the helicopter operations capability is li- mited. ORP "Ślązak" also features quite rich suite of electronics that could be used to further arm the vessel with air-to-air or an- ti-ship missiles in the future. The warship is one of four medium www.fragoutmag.com