On August 16, a ceremony was held at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna to cut first steel for the first frigate-class vessel for the Polish Navy. This marked the beginning of a new stage in the Miecznik programme.
The ceremony, which was attended by Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak, Minister of State Assets Jacek Sasin and Head of the National Security Bureau Jacek Siewiera, among others, is an important moment in the history of the Polish Navy. Under the Miecznik programme, it will acquire three frigate-class vessels by 2032. These will be the most modern and best-armed units the Navy will have at its disposal.
The three modern Miecznik frigates for the Polish Navy will be built at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in cooperation with leaders in the defense industry (Babcock, MBDA, Thales, Remontowa Shipbuilding), under the largest contract ever awarded to the Polish shipbuilding industry. The first frigate will be built by 2026. The Miecznik program is being implemented according to schedule.
The multi-role vessels of this class will significantly increase the capabilities of the Polish Navy and will allow it to carry out a wide range of tasks at sea, including, among others, securing shipping lanes and critical infrastructure. The ships will increase the combat potential of the Polish Armed Forces, but will also be an important contribution of the Republic of Poland within the North Atlantic Alliance, for example, by carrying out tasks within the framework of NATO Standing Ship Teams. The multi-purpose frigates will be equipped with modern radiolocation, artillery and missile systems. Thanks to these ships, the Polish Navy will gain new opportunities to carry out a wide range of tasks in Polish maritime areas and participate in missions and exercises organized with NATO allies.
The implementation of the project in Poland allows for the creation of about 2,000 jobs in shipyards, armaments companies and other industrial sectors directly involved in the project. The acquired competencies will develop new capabilities and help work on other projects for the Polish Navy.
The contract with the Armaments Inspectorate was signed on 27.07.2021. The PGZ-M Miecznik Consortium, consisting of: Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., PGZ Stocznia Wojenna sp. z o.o. Strategic partners in the project are the companies: Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., Babcock, Thales UK and MBDA UK.
