Poland to launch submarine procurement program

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced on Wednesday that the country will launch a submarine procurement program in 2023.

Blaszczak made the announcement during the two-day Defence24 Day conference, RMF FM quoted him as saying.

"Later this year, we plan to start a procedure aimed at purchasing submarines along with the transfer of the necessary technologies," Blaszczak said, announcing the launch of the Orca program.

Blaszczak emphasized that "a full-fledged navy should include not only surface ships but also those that can move underwater unnoticed".

He added that the ministry will soon announce more detailed information on the number of ships, their equipment, and competencies.

Currently, the Polish Navy has one submarine. It is a Kilo-type vessel launched in 1985. It has been modernized and overhauled, and between 2020 and 2021, the ship underwent at least 10 repairs, but its current condition is unknown.

"We want our submarines to be characterized by the durability of the missions they perform, as well as high power in terms of combat equipment and configuration flexibility. They also have a high ability to move covertly at high speeds and to wait underwater for a long time," said the head of the Polish Defense Ministry.

Author - Olena Madiak, 24/05/2023