Frag Out! Magazine

The Kormoran II hype shoves the Polish Navy's neglected foster child, the one-and-only Project 621 Gawron corvette, into an even deeper shadow. The Naval Yard of Gdynia didn't even presented a model of its new, depleted configuration, now known as the Ślązak-Class Patrol Ship. Ironically, the only exhibitor still admitting any connection with the ill-lucked ship was Thales, contracted to supply the electronic systems. And the array of these systems provided a lonely bright spot – finally it seems someone had an idea to learn from the experience of other users of the MEKO A-100 family of modular corvettes – namely the Malaysians, who recently decided to enhance their ships (Kedah-Class) hitherto used as mere patrol ships with Kongsberg NSM anti-ship launchers. The suit of electronics ordered for the Ślązak enables such enhancement in the future, perhaps by utilizing launchers salvaged from the Orkan-Class fast attack craft. We'll see in future, but nevertheless the extended suit of CIC equipment and systems in - stalled there would enable this once proud project to regain some of the lost glory. The Orka, Miecznik and Czapla programs have transformed Poland into a model battleground between the European naval industry heavyweights. The Orka program (not to be confused with the Orka ROV for Kormoran II) calls for delivery of three attack submarines. The main competitors for the contract are French DCNS with a Scorpène-Class, and German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems with their somewhat 'forgotten' Typ 214. The former has been modified with novel features, like AIP fuel-cell propulsion, extending underwater autonomy with economic speed (5 knots) beyond what was possible with the older MESMA, and by addition of the X-shaped rudders, reducing the draft. Additionally, the hatch behind the sail was enlarged (possibly with an eye towards naval SF underwater exfil lock), and a possibility of Contralto-S decoy modules was hinted. Theoretically, the tender should start by Q3 this year – until then the tactical-technical requirements remain confidential and nothing except generalities are divulged. Combined Miecznik and Czapla programs brought two interesting exhibits at the Balt-Military-Expo. One from DCNS again, and the other from Dutch company Damen. The French company has unveiled in Gdańsk their new Gowing range ship, the Gowind 1000. To cut the long story short, 1000 is a kind of a 'midway Gowind', combining the civilian standards of the first Gowind ship used by the Marine Nationale, the L'Adroit, with combat require - ments. Unveilng in Gdańsk was not a coincidence. DCNS is proposing the Polish Navy two variants of the Gowind range (as opposed to the Dutch). The combat Gowind 2000, sold to Egypt and Malaysia is a Miecznik-Class prosition, while the Gowind 1000 fits the Czapla requirements. According to DCNS, the Gowind 1000 would be ca. 80 meters long, and displace 1500 tons. Thanks to cavernous internal mission bay in the after part of the hull, it can be a multi-role ship, easily modified to various requirements – including mine-hunting (Czapla TTR). As opposed to L'Adroit, the new Gowind has a missile capability, with anti-shipping launchers and vertical launch antiaircraft launchers. REPORT

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