Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
Eternal "Gap-filler" After Mariusz Błaszczak took over the MoD, the Navy mod- ernization, including the acquisition of the submarines, have disappeared completely from the discourse. However, decom- missioning of the Kobbens and liquidation of the quantitative potential of the Submarine Squadron (as qualitative potential has not been the descriptor of the unit for a long time) could not have gone by unnoticed. Another gap-filler was to, supposedly, provide a remedy here, giving the Polish MoD time to pursue the proper procurement program. A search has begun to find a po- tential second-hand solution, in the European navies, but also among exotic ones, such as the Brazilian, Singaporean, or South African Navy. Procurement or renting of the submarines were both considered. Ultimately it was decided to engage in talks with Sweden, in 2019. Up until recently, the Swedish Navy was expecting four submarines to be operated, even though it cur- rently owns five vessels in two classes (A19 Gotland [3 vessels], and A17 Västergötland [two vessels]). The quantitative cuts were caused by budgetary constraints, not allowing the Navy to pro- cure and operate five modern vessels. The assumption above presented itself in the acquisition and upgrade plans made by the Swedes. The former would involve the acquisition of two A26 new generation submarines, expected to replace the two A17s. They were to be complemented by two out of three A19 submarines - two of the A19s were upgraded for that reason. The implementation of the aforesaid plans would mean that Swedish Navy, reducing its potential from 5 to 4 vessels, can Navy, and the remaining two being acquired by Germany. After the independent acquisition concept came back onto the table, the group of potential bidders was narrowed down (in the light of the problems faced by the Spanish S-80). Three designs were now considered: Scorpene, 212 CD, and A26.A. According to unofficial information, the French bid was consid- ered to be most attractive. It was the only offer that also cov- ered the delivery of the French MdCN cruise missiles, along with the submarines. The contract was planned to be signed in early 2018. Again, however, no decision was made. Instead, a decision was made to change the Minister of Defence. Mariusz Błaszczak replaced Antoni Macierewicz. And since then, it could be said that the Orka program effort has been brought to a com- plete halt. The sailors were frustrated. This was expressed in the statement made by the head of the Navy Inspectorate, Rear Admiral Mordel. He referred to the situation as "another letting down of the sailor's hopes to receive modern equipment". Mor- del was dismissed soon afterward, and he no longer manages the Inspectorate. According to the latest plans made within the framework of the Orka program, two new submarines are expected to be procured after 2026. Considering the timeline, and the past experiences tied to the program, it is difficult to believe that the plans are realistic. www.fragoutmag.com