Polish Navy To Speed Modernization Program

Poland is looking forward to finalize their Navy modernization program which is worth US $3.1 billion, according to Defense news.

Under this program, the Polish Naval force will replace 17 out of its 41 combat vessels (to be withdrawn from service by 2022) with a new range of vessels, armament and aircraft by 2030.

But the budget cut is to likely to see a drop on defense by at least 3.3 billion zloty, according to the local media report. However, it’s unclear the areas to be affected by it, the report added. 

Despite the budget cuts, several acquisition programs have already been launched in the modernization effort, and the Polish military is adding new procurements to its wish list.

In late June, the Navy modernization program saw 15 foreign and local manufacturers willing to participate in a technical dialogue with the ministry on the planned procurement of three coastal defense vessels and three patrol vessels with mine-destroying capability.

“The technical dialogue is scheduled to take place in July-August 2013,” the Polish ministry spokesperson said.

The coastal defense vessels are to be delivered from 2014 to 2026, and the three mine-destroyer patrol vessels from 2015 to 2026.

The technical specifications include -- the patrol vessels of at least 1,600 tons will be fitted with one medium-caliber cannon of 57-76mm, two smaller cannons of 25-40mm and two 12.7mm guns. It will also have two water cannons, anti-aircraft missiles and a long-range acoustic device, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the Polish Navy has plans of purchasing three maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), according to local daily. The military planes, which would also have anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, are to be acquired by 2030.

In addition to vessels and aircraft, the Polish Navy is also acquiring unmanned vehicles.

By 2030, Poland is aiming to spend about 900 million zloty per year on acquisitions for its naval forces, according to the Polish ministry official was quoted as saying.