The most interesting naval element of MSPO 2015 was that related to the ORKA procurement programme. Its aim is to procure three new submarines for the Polish Navy. The first plan assumed that a contract would be signed in 2013 and deliveries would begin in 2022 (the remaining two were to be delivered by 2030). However, the plan was later changed – the first unit was scheduled for delivery in the 2019-2020 period, while the third was expected by 2025. Meanwhile, Poland changed its expectations and included a requirement for cruise missiles (however, this tender is carried out separately from the tender for new submarines). At the current stage it is planned that a contract will be signed in late 2016. Deliveries of the first two units are planned by 2022 and of a third submarine in 2023-2030. A foreign company will act as a technology integrator, but with significant participation from Polish industry.
Vessels are planned to be approximately 2,000t, diesel-electric powered, and armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles.
There are three main contenders. All of them presented their submarines during MSPO 2015 and confirmed that they are interested in providing their products to the Polish Navy.
The first one is ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) with its Type 212A and 214A submarines. This company is considered a favourite for the procurement in the Polish project.
Another company competing for the contract is DCNS, with its SCORPENE-class submarine that has been developed in cooperation with Spain.
A third company interesting in winning a future tender is Saab Kockums from Sweden. The company offers the A26 submarines.
For any choice, the main Polish partner could be Stocznia Marynarki Wojennej (Navy Shipyard) in Gdynia. However, it seems that in every case the foreign company will be a project leader while the Polish company will serve as a sub-contractor.
The French SCORPENE-class vessels would have MdCN missiles, whereas Germany – if the US give their consent – would fit their 212/214-class submarine with American TOMAHAWKs. In the case of the A26, work regarding technical possibility to locate TOMAHAWK missiles (which would have to be supplied by the USA) on the deck has been completed. The missiles can also be launched from the bow-section torpedo launchers, which is the solution that has been implemented in the case of the Royal Navy.
Poland wants to have fully autonomous capabilities to use them in any situation without required consent from other states. The Ministry of National Defence (MoND) has started a review of potential suppliers. In March 2015, it was confirmed that inquiries have been sent to the US (UGM-109 TOMAHAWK) and France (MdCN). A formal way of procuring missiles has not been revealed to the public. During MSPO 2015, this issue has not been raised.
Vessels are planned to be approximately 2,000t, diesel-electric powered, and armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles.
There are three main contenders. All of them presented their submarines during MSPO 2015 and confirmed that they are interested in providing their products to the Polish Navy.
The first one is ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) with its Type 212A and 214A submarines. This company is considered a favourite for the procurement in the Polish project.
Another company competing for the contract is DCNS, with its SCORPENE-class submarine that has been developed in cooperation with Spain.
A third company interesting in winning a future tender is Saab Kockums from Sweden. The company offers the A26 submarines.
For any choice, the main Polish partner could be Stocznia Marynarki Wojennej (Navy Shipyard) in Gdynia. However, it seems that in every case the foreign company will be a project leader while the Polish company will serve as a sub-contractor.
The French SCORPENE-class vessels would have MdCN missiles, whereas Germany – if the US give their consent – would fit their 212/214-class submarine with American TOMAHAWKs. In the case of the A26, work regarding technical possibility to locate TOMAHAWK missiles (which would have to be supplied by the USA) on the deck has been completed. The missiles can also be launched from the bow-section torpedo launchers, which is the solution that has been implemented in the case of the Royal Navy.
Poland wants to have fully autonomous capabilities to use them in any situation without required consent from other states. The Ministry of National Defence (MoND) has started a review of potential suppliers. In March 2015, it was confirmed that inquiries have been sent to the US (UGM-109 TOMAHAWK) and France (MdCN). A formal way of procuring missiles has not been revealed to the public. During MSPO 2015, this issue has not been raised.
Robert Czulda
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