--- title: "Poland’s Powerful New Frigate Marks Major Shift For Its Navy" description: "The 7,700-ton Wicher signals Warsaw’s push to build a larger, much more capable fleet in the Baltic. The 7,700-ton Wicher signals Warsaw’s push to build a larger, more capable NATO fleet in the Baltic." date: "2026-08-13" modified: "2026-08-13" authors: - name: "Thomas Newdick" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick" url: "https://www.twz.com/sea/polands-powerful-new-frigate-marks-major-shift-for-its-navy" categories: - "Around The Globe" - "Baltic Sea" - "Europe" - "Frigates" - "NATO" - "News & Features" - "Sea" --- # Poland’s Powerful New Frigate Marks Major Shift For Its Navy ![The Polish Navy launched its largest surface combatant since the interwar period, when the frigate Wicher went into the water today. The warship, built locally according to a British design, is the first of three and part of a wide-ranging modernization program for the Polish Navy as it adapts to meet a growing Russian threat in the strategic Baltic Sea region and elsewhere.]() *PGZ SW* The Polish Navy launched its largest surface combatant since the interwar period, when the frigate *Wicher* went into the water today. The warship, built locally according to a British design, is the first of three and part of a wide-ranging modernization program for the [Polish Navy]() as it adapts to meet a growing Russian threat in the strategic [Baltic Sea]() region and elsewhere. *Wicher* (Polish for gale) was floated off a semi-submersible heavy-lift barge in the Gulf of Gdansk today. ![]() **Wicher* accompanied by a tugboat in the Gulf of Gdansk today. *PGZ SW** Yesterday, the frigate was still on dry land, in the dock at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ SW) yard in Gdynia, on the Baltic Sea, where it had been built. It was rolled out and placed on the barge there before its christening and naming ceremony attended by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. ![A wide view shows the future Polish Navy multipurpose frigate ORP Wicher, pennant number 274, aboard the semi-submersible heavy-lift barge BOABARGE 33 with the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna Hull Hall visible behind it in Gdynia, Poland, on August 11, 2026. The frigate was assembled and integrated inside the hall before being rolled out and positioned on the barge for its christening and launch. (Photo by Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)]() *The future Polish Navy frigate *Wicher*, pennant number 274, aboard the semi-submersible heavy-lift barge BOABARGE 33 with the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna Hull Hall visible behind it in Gdynia, Poland, on August 11, 2026. The frigate was assembled and integrated inside the hall before being rolled out and positioned on the barge for its christening and launch. *Photo by Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto** “Within the PGZ Group, we are implementing projects of strategic importance to national security,” said Adam Leszkiewicz, CEO of PGZ. “The christening and launch of the first frigate under the Miecznik program is one of the most important milestones in rebuilding the operational capabilities of the Polish Navy.” https://twitter.com/StoczniaWojenna/status/2087307891153719765?s=20 https://twitter.com/StoczniaWojenna/status/2087871423066816574?s=20 Yesterday’s ceremony was marked by the blasts from the ship horns of two of the warships that *Wicher* will replace. These are the *Kościuszko*, which accompanied *Wicher* during its launch today, and *Pułaski*, currently in dry dock at the shipyard. These are Poland’s two [*Oliver Hazard Perry* class]() frigates, dating from the late Cold War period and transferred from the U.S. Navy. ![181025-N-KA046-01223 NORTH SEA (Oct. 25, 2018) – The Polish Navy Oliver Hazard Perry Class guided missile Frigate General Kazimimierz Pulaski ORP 272 transits the North Sea after an underway replenishment, Oct. 25, 2018. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, is underway to participate in the multilateral Exercise Trident Juncture 18. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Turner/Released)]() *The Polish Navy *Oliver Hazard Perry* class frigate *General Kazimimierz Pułaski* transits the North Sea after an underway replenishment, in October 2018. *U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Turner/Released** The three new multirole frigates being built in the Project 106 *Miecznik* (Swordfish) class — described as the largest program of its kind in Polish Navy history — are far more capable vessels, based on Babcock International’s Arrowhead 140 design. The Arrowhead 140 design is derived from the innovative [*Iver Huitfeldt* class]() frigate used by the Royal Danish Navy and also forms the basis of the U.K. Royal Navy [Type 31]() general-purpose frigate. Overall, the Arrowhead 140 has a modular structure and generous internal space, meaning it can be adapted for a variety of different systems and sub-systems, as required. ![]() *An artist’s impression of the U.K. Royal Navy Type 31 general-purpose frigate. *Royal Navy** The new Swordfish frigates have a length of 138 meters (453 feet), a beam of approximately 20 meters (66 feet), and a maximum displacement (including additional equipment and armor) of approximately 7,700 tons. They will have a maximum range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles, and a maximum speed of 28 knots, powered by four combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) piston engines driving two propellers. Each will have a core crew of approximately 120, with space to embark an additional 60 personnel. Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design was selected by Poland in 2022, after which a [keel-laying ceremony]() for *Wicher* was held in Gdynia in January 2024. Construction of the second vessel, *Burza* (Storm), [had begun by early 2026](), which is planned to be followed by its launch in 2027 and commissioning in 2030. The keel for the third ship, *Huragan* (Hurricane), will be laid down in late 2026, followed by a planned launch in 2028 and commissioning in 2031. While they are multirole vessels, the *Miecznik* design stresses anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Compared to the British Type 31, the *Miecznik* is more extensively equipped. For its AAW mission, the primary weapon of the Polish warship is the MBDA CAMM, or [Common Anti-air Modular Missile](). ***Firing trials of the CAMM (also known as Sea Ceptor) from the U.K. Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll:*** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl-US7xdIX4 For medium-range threats, out to beyond 62 miles, the warship will be armed with the CAMM-MR, being [jointly developed]() by Poland and the United Kingdom under the Future Common Missile (FCM) program. The standard CAMM, with a maximum range of around 28 miles, will also be carried to engage targets at shorter distances. Versions of the CAMM can be quad-packed, in this case in the U.S.-made [Mk 41 vertical launch system]() (VLS), with 32 cells. That would provide for a maximum of 128 missiles, especially significant bearing in mind current concerns about magazine depth in the face of [sustained drone and missile barrages](). Depending on the exact configuration of the VLS, other kinds of missiles and ASW weapons could potentially be integrated at a later date, too. For ASW specifically, the *Miecznik* class is provided with two dual-tube launchers for [MU90 Impact]() lightweight torpedoes. The same torpedoes arm the Polish Navy’s [AW101]() helicopters, seen in the tweet below, which can also be embarked. https://twitter.com/MStrembski/status/2087467823828189233?s=20 For surface strike, the frigate will be armed with eight [Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles]() (NSM), stealthy weapons that can be used against other ships as well as against targets on land. There is an option to install an additional eight NSM launchers if required. Gun armament will comprise a Leonardo [76mm Strales](), which is compatible with guided ammunition. While these are dual-purpose weapons also capable of striking surface and land targets, the guns are optimized for the anti-missile and anti-drone defense role, for which they fire [DART projectiles]() that employ radio-command guidance for accuracy. The video below shows the Strales/DART combination in action during peacetime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kxQCqKlvGM Two 35mm guns will also be able to fire programmable ammunition. These guns will likely be the locally produced [OSU-35K]() remote weapon stations, as seen below on a Polish Navy minehunter: https://twitter.com/StoczniaWojenna/status/2082183141566144632?s=20 For self-defense, the vessels will be fitted with the [Terma C-Guard]() system, with eight fixed 130mm launchers that can dispense infrared, radar-frequency, and acoustic countermeasures. The majority of the sensor suite on the *Miecznik* class is provided by Thales, integrated under its TACTICOS combat management system (CMS), already used by the Polish Navy. Thales-provided equipment also includes primary and secondary multifunction radars, a panoramic electro-optical system, and an underwater detection suite comprising a hull-mounted sonar and a towed array sonar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdkTp5StPrw The electronic warfare system is from Rohde & Schwarz, based on that company’s [KORA]() system. Other additional systems include a laser warning system, navigation radars, and a diver detection sonar. From the outset, the Polish Navy has schemed the *Miecznik* class around uncrewed systems, both in terms of operating these itself and countering hostile drones. While it’s unclear what types of drones may be embarked, the Arrowhead 140 design includes four boat bays, which can accommodate [uncrewed surface vessels]() (USVs) as well as traditional small, crewed boats. The large helicopter deck can also embark rotary-wing drones. Bearing in mind the emphasis on ASW missions, USVs and rotary-wing drones equipped for this mission could become a regular fixture on the frigate, helping to extend its surveillance range and also for prosecuting targets, especially in high-risk and/or littoral environments. Under current planning, *Wicher* is expected to be commissioned in 2029, following sea trials and qualification tests. Before then, the warship needs to be fully outfitted and its systems integrated, which will also be conducted at Gdynia. The *Miecznik* program is scheduled for completion by the end of 2031, making it a remarkably compressed effort, reflecting the urgency behind Poland’s military modernization. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj20ItegP-E In the maritime realm, the new frigates are key to Poland’s efforts to transform its navy from a relatively small Baltic force centered on aging, second-hand warships into a more capable fleet able to make meaningful contributions to high-end NATO maritime operations. The *Miecznik* class represents a substantial increase in both size and combat capability over the Polish Navy’s existing surface combatants. The transformation is being driven in large part by the changing security environment in the Baltic following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With [Finland and Sweden joining NATO](), Germany [strengthening its maritime capabilities](), and the Baltic states expanding their armed forces, Poland is positioning itself to play a much larger role in the alliance’s regional maritime architecture. Russia retains substantial [air defense](), electronic warfare, and [strike capabilities]() in the Baltic region, while its [Baltic Fleet]() is relatively modern and well preserved compared with the Black Sea Fleet. Russian forces in and around the Baltic region — particularly [Kaliningrad](), western Russia, and Belarus — can combine these capabilities with long-range missiles, submarines, mines and other systems to threaten NATO forces before they even have the chance to concentrate. ![BALTIYSK, RUSSIA - JULY 26: The Russian antisubmarine warfare ship "Kalmikiya" attend a naval honour review on Navy Day July 26, 2015 in Baltoysk, in the Kaliningrad Oblast region, Russia. Putin is having a two-days visit to Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Introduced in 1939 by the Soviet government as a national holiday. Navy Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of July. (Photo by Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images)]() *Russian Baltic Fleet units attend a naval review to honour Navy Day in Baltiysk, Kaliningrad region, Russia, in July 2015. *Photo by Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images** Already, Russia is employing cyber operations, sabotage, [GPS/electronic interference](), [drone activity]() and [other “gray zone” measures]() around NATO’s eastern flank. A modern frigate force, backed by [advanced submarines](), coastal anti-ship missiles, and other naval capabilities, will give Warsaw considerably more reach and flexibility both inside the Baltic and beyond it. However, there remains a question over whether Poland can generate enough people, infrastructure, and sustained resources to turn its ambitious procurement plans into a genuinely effective fleet. The Polish Navy has historically operated with a relatively small personnel base, currently numbering just over 6,000, while the country’s armed forces are [simultaneously pursuing]() one of Europe’s most expansive [modernization programs](). Manning, training, maintaining, and sustaining an expanded fleet could ultimately prove a challenge. Poland has an option with Babcock to build a further five ships to the same design. Perhaps more significantly, construction infrastructure built for the program, and the accompanying skills base, will be available for projects in the future, helping the Polish Navy continue its modernization. *Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com* ## Author Thomas Newdick is a staff writer at *TWZ*, where he covers military aviation, defense technology, weapons systems, and international security. Based in Berlin, Germany, he reports on conflicts, military modernization efforts, and emerging aerospace technologies around the world, with a particular interest in airpower and its role in contemporary warfare. His reporting is informed by deep expertise in modern and historical airpower, particularly in Europe, with a focus on military aviation, air campaigns, and aerospace developments across the continent and beyond. Over a journalism career spanning more than 25 years, Thomas has become known for making complex defense and aerospace topics accessible to a broad audience. His reporting combines technical expertise, historical context, and a focus on the real-world operational and strategic implications of military developments. ### Author social links [Twitter]()