Poland Begins Construction of Second Miecznik Frigate

The construction of Poland’s second Miecznik-class frigate, ORP Burza, officially began on May 5, with a steel-cutting ceremony at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Gdynia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the new vessel is part of a broader effort to strengthen Poland’s naval deterrence and defense capabilities.

“This is the second of three frigates that will be fully armed and equipped to meet the Navy’s needs,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated during the event. The first ship in the program, ORP Wicher, is already under construction at the same shipyard.

The defense minister emphasized that the project involves not only PGZ but also many smaller firms.

Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted that Poland and its NATO allies are increasing patrols and operational readiness in the Baltic region due to rising incidents, including damage to underwater cables and violations of critical infrastructure and airspace. “We are responding through the Baltic Guard operation and enhancing our air and sea patrols,” he added.

The Miecznik frigates, built by the PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium, will meet Poland’s operational needs in surveillance, base protection, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and air defense, operating within national and NATO frameworks. Miecznik (Swordfish) frigates are based on the Arrowhead 140 (AH140) design used by the Royal Navy’s Type 31. Miecznik shares the hull but features more extensive systems and is designed for uncrewed systems integration.

These multi-role ships will replace the Polish Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class. ORP Wicher (Gale) is under construction in Gdynia for a 2026 launch; ORP Burza (Storm) and ORP Huragan (Hurricane) are on order, with an option for five more. The AH140, derived from Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt-class, is modular and adaptable, with Poland prioritizing Anti-Air and Anti-Submarine Warfare.

Thales provides multifunction radars, electro-optical systems, hull and towed sonar; Rohde & Schwarz supplies a modified KORA electronic warfare system. Other systems include a laser warning system, navigation radars, and diver detection sonar. The main air defense is MBDA’s SeaCeptor with CAMM missiles (short range) and CAMM-MR (medium range), developed by the U.K. and Poland.

CAMM-MR exceeds 100 km range, is cost-efficient, and can be dual-packed, boosting missile numbers despite smaller warheads—key for countering UAVs used in reconnaissance and targeting. Task groups use low-cost, medium-range missiles for economic engagement.

Inner-layer defense includes a 76mm Leonardo Strales gun, two 35mm programmable guns by PIT-RADWAR, and the Terma C-Guard decoy system with eight 130mm launchers. For surface strikes, Miecznik carries eight Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) from Kongsberg, with capacity for eight more; NSMs have been in Poland’s coastal defense since 2015.

ASW capability includes bow and towed sonar and MU-90 torpedoes via dual-tube launchers, integrated with AW-101 helicopters. A future MU-90HK variant will combine anti-submarine and anti-torpedo roles. Thales’ TACTICOS Combat Management System, already on two other Polish Navy classes, handles integration for better crew training and interoperability.

The Miecznik’s four boat bays support Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and its aviation deck can operate rotary-wing UAVs, boosting reconnaissance and ASW roles. UAVs’ roles are expanding with technological advances. Type 31 frigates may work with ACRIMS USV and PROTEUS UAVs, acting as ASW ‘carriers’ using uncrewed systems, offering mission-specific capabilities for littoral and seabed warfare.