Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
whether implementation of the Miecznik program would start again - for the third time. At the moment we do not know how long it would take. The plan for the Polish Navy is to receive 2 multi-role frigates within the Miecznik program. These would be- come a part of the Navy's inventory starting from 2026. Orka JAs we have already explained, the submarine component of the Navy is neglected. Seriously neglected. The submarines operated right now are combat-capable only theoretically. The "Orka" program was to be the solution here. Its goal was to pro- cure brand new submarines for the Polish Navy. The Orka program's origins go back 10-15 years, to the period when the second-hand Kobben vessels have been fully com- missioned. According to the assumptions adopted back then, Kobbens were to act as an intermediary gap-filler, soon to be replaced by brand new boats. We all know what happened next. The MoD was considering German Type 212/214 subs, French Scorpene-class, the Swedish A26, as well as the Spanish S-80. In 2015 a new requirement emerged. The MoD requested the submarines to be capable of carrying cruise missiles - such as visits the Polish Navy experts paid to Australia, assessing the state of the vessels, all went well, towards a happy ending. How- ever, it was in the final stretch, in August 2018, during Andrzej Duda's visit to Australia (intending to sign the procurement deal), Poland resigned from the acquisition. Miecznik - Takes Two and Three As the plan to procure second-hand surface combatants end- ed up in a fiasco, the Miecznik program has made a spectacu- lar return. Following a period of stagnancy, dialogue has been launched involving the PGZ Group, on the potential relaunching of the program. However, the process was short-lived. It was yet again canceled in 2019. The reasons for the decisions were un- clear, until September 2020, thanks to a parliamentary question submitted by an MP. The Polish MoD responded, claiming that the requirements for the Miecznik program have been redefined, and stating that the Navy is looking to procure multi-role frig- ates to fill that gap. Another step in the process was made by the Armament Inspectorate of the Polish MoD - the organ has issued recommendations on the program. The document was then received by the head of the Polish MoD. It is now up to him www.fragoutmag.com