Poland Evaluates French Submarine Offer under 'ORKA' Program during Toulon Visit

Poland’s Deputy Minister of National Defense, Paweł Bejda, visited Toulon to assess France’s proposal for modern submarines under the Polish Navy’s “ORKA” program.

The visit included discussions on industrial cooperation, defense modernization, and a new agreement on cruise missile development.

Emmanuel Chiva, Director General of the French armament agency (DGA), hosted the Polish delegation. Both sides signed a letter of intent for cooperation on land-based cruise missiles, signaling an expanding strategic defense partnership between the two countries.

During the visit, Deputy Minister Bejda toured French Navy vessels to learn about their operational capabilities and technical features. “Decisions regarding the ORKA program will have long-term consequences for Poland's security, which is why every offer must be carefully evaluated,” Bejda said.

The talks included discussions on technology transfer and the involvement of Polish defense industry in submarine production and maintenance. Naval Group, France’s key shipbuilder, is one of the leading bidders in the ORKA program.

The Polish Ministry of National Defense is expected to finalize its selection in the coming months. The visit to Toulon is part of broader efforts to assess proposals from international bidders. Meanwhile, the signed cruise missile cooperation agreement opens new prospects for joint development, local production, and strengthening Poland’s strike capabilities.

ORKA Program

The Orka program is Poland’s effort to acquire up to four new diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) to replace its aging undersea fleet, which currently includes a single 1980s-era Russian-built Kilo-class vessel. The program, launched in 2014 and restructured in May 2023, is part of Poland’s broader naval modernization amid ongoing regional tensions.

Six submarine designs remain under consideration:

Germany (thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) – Type 212CD

Sweden (Saab Kockums) – A26 Blekinge-class

Italy (Fincantieri) – U212 NFS

France (Naval Group) – Scorpène-class

Spain (Navantia) – S-80 Plus

South Korea (Hanwha Ocean) – KSS-III

These designs all offer air-independent propulsion and varying degrees of modularity and firepower. Hanwha Ocean has recently promoted the KSS-III at the 2024 MSPO exhibition and proposed technology transfer, maintenance capabilities, and financing options.

Despite completing the analytical phase, the Ministry of National Defense has not named frontrunners or announced a contract timeline. No roadmap exists for delivery, training, or industrial participation. Nearly 30 years after beginning submarine modernization efforts, Poland still lacks a signed contract or backup plan for operational readiness.