[REVISION HISTORY]

Polish maritime shipbuilding and naval modernization

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2026-08-12 12:35 UTC → 2026-08-13 10:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Miecznik frigate program has reached a significant milestone with the unveiling of the ORP Wicher in Gdynia. Following the movement of its 4,000-ton hull from the assembly hall via self-propelled modular transporters, the vessel was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister stated that Poland is becoming a “maritime power in the Baltic Sea to strengthen NATO’s maritime defences.” As the first of three multi-role frigates based on the British Arrowhead 140 design, the ORP Wicher is intended for escort, air defence, and fleet protection. The vessel is scheduled to be handed over to the Polish Navy in 2029, while sister ships ORP Burza and ORP Huragan are slated for delivery by 2031. The program, valued at approximately 15 billion PLN, aims to replace aging Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships and involves a consortium including PGZ Miecznik and Babcock. On 12 August 2026, the ORP Wicher underwent its christening ceremony at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Gdynia. The event was attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and President Karol Nawrocki. The 6,000-ton hull is scheduled for launching on 13 August in the Gulf of Gdańsk via a semi-submersible barge. While marking a milestone in naval modernization, the ceremony also drew social media attention regarding a recorded interaction between Tusk and Nawrocki that some observers described as “undiplomatic.” Other maritime initiatives continue, including the Maritime University of Szczecin’s 625 million zł tender for a new 100-meter research and training vessel. This project, which features dual-fuel propulsion and ice class PC6 capabilities to replace the Nawigator XXI, has a tender closing date of 6 October 2026.

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