Key Takeaways
- Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has set a year-end deadline for selecting a supplier for its Orca submarine program.
- The Polish Navy seeks to replace its outdated submarine fleet with new vessels equipped for enhanced maritime deterrence.
- Foreign collaboration is crucial, with several European and South Korean firms vying for the contract in a significant defense investment for Poland.
Poland’s Urgent Submarine Acquisition Program
Poland is advancing its Orca submarine program by reaching out to six countries for submarine designs, with a decisive selection expected by year-end. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of this acquisition during a recent government meeting, highlighting the necessity of improving Poland’s naval capabilities in the Baltic Sea. Currently, the Polish Navy relies on a Soviet-era Kilo-class submarine, the ORP Orzel, making this update a priority.
Delegations from Poland have been actively exploring options in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and South Korea. These discussions focus not just on potential submarine designs but also on deeper cooperative efforts with Poland’s defense sector. The urgency surrounding this project is underscored by the planned installation of cruise missiles on the new submarines to enhance Poland’s deterrence capabilities.
During the government meeting on September 17, Tusk announced that a government-to-government approach would be used for the final selection, indicating a strong political partnership with the winning supplier. The cabinet has resolved to finalize the selection of an international partner by the end of 2025, allowing for a more strategic collaboration on this monumental defense project.
Various European firms, including France’s Naval Group, Italy’s Fincantieri, Sweden’s Saab, and the U.K.’s Babcock International, are eager to partner with Polish state defense company PGZ. The collaboration is seen as an attractive opportunity given PGZ’s central role in the domestic defense landscape, establishing it as a key player for foreign suppliers looking to win contracts.
Spain’s Navantia recently entered the fray, signing a deal with PGZ to explore joint naval cooperation, particularly concerning the submarine acquisition program. Their S-80-class submarine is part of the offering, reinforcing the competitive landscape for this critical procurement.
Poland’s ministry of defense has reportedly ranked the bids from Germany, Italy, and Sweden as the top contenders while keeping options open for other proposals, including South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean. Hanwha has expressed a commitment to enhancing local capacities in Poland, focusing on technology transfer and establishing a fully independent maintenance and operations support framework.
The South Korean firm has had prior success, delivering KSS-III-class submarines to its navy and aims to make Poland its first export market for this class. Meanwhile, Canada is also evaluating submarine options with Germany’s thyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Hanwha under consideration for its own procurement program.
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s hunt for robust submarines has again put Fincantieri on the list of potential suppliers, buoyed by already established ties. Their S800 class submarine, designed for covert operations in shallow waters, showcases advanced technology aimed at maintaining a low acoustic profile.
While the competition heats up, the stakes are high as Poland looks to enhance its naval capabilities and collaborate closely with trusted defense partners.
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