Poland Unveils First Miecznik-Class Frigate Amid Baltic Modernisation
Poland's Miecznik program achieved a major milestone on August 10 when the hull of the first frigate, ORP Wicher, was unveiled in Gdynia. The ship represents the largest naval modernisation project in Polish history and signals Warsaw's commitment to strengthening Baltic security.
Military Milestone
On August 10, 2026, the Polish government and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa confirmed this stage of the Miecznik program following the rollout of ORP Wicher's hull in Gdynia. The ORP Wicher, a medium-sized warship designed for escort, air defence and other fleet protection duties, is the first of three multi-role frigates based on Britain's Arrowhead 140 design being built under Poland's Miecznik programme, the largest modernisation project in the history of the Polish Navy.
Construction is being carried out in Gdynia by PGZ Stocznia Wojenna with substantial participation from Poland's defence industry. Wicher is currently expected to enter service in 2029, with the remaining ships scheduled to follow at the beginning of the next decade.
Scope and Cost
The contract for the three frigates was signed in 2021 between Poland's state Armament Agency (AU) and a consortium led by state-owned defence group PGZ, with British defence firm Babcock and other foreign partners also involved. The project was initially valued at about 8 billion zloty but had risen to around 15 billion zloty by the end of 2023 following amendments. Construction of the second frigate in Gdynia's military shipyard began in May 2025, while work on the third began in April this year. The programme is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2031.
The project introduces a new class of large surface combatant at a time when maritime security in the Baltic is receiving greater attention in Polish and NATO defence planning.
What This Means for Foreigners
If you are interested in Poland's strategic position, defence industry developments, or the country's growing role in European security, this represents a significant commitment to modernisation. For business professionals in defence, engineering, or maritime sectors, the project signals sustained investment in sophisticated military procurement and could create opportunities in supporting industries.
Sources
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