01 Jun 2023
“We are proceeding with the Orka (Killer whale) program. Later this year, we plan to launch a procedure aimed at purchasing submarines with the transfer of the necessary technologies, which we want to obtain through an offset procurement. The ships should be capable of using (…) maneuvering missiles capable of hitting targets deep inside the aggressor’s territory” Blaszczak announced.
While the details of the technical requirements for the new submarines are not known at this point, the general expectations have been laid out by Blaszczak:
“We want our submarines to be characterized by (…) high capacity in terms of weapon systems and flexibility of configuration [and to be] capable to strike at the right time, whether against a surface target or a land target.”
This means that Orka is to be armed not only with heavyweight torpedoes, but also cruise missiles to attack land targets at long range.
The SSN-AUKUS connection?
In addition, Orka submarines are to have high stealth capabilities to move at high speed and wait for long periods of time in stealth underwater, which means a requirement for an AIP system. Interestingly, Blaszczak mentioned the nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program for the Royal Australian Navy:
“In recent months, we have been closely watching the Australian project to acquire new submarines, in which we see undoubted advantages by analyzing the solutions adopted by the country. At the same time, we realize that such a project is a major challenge, not only in terms of the culture of the crews in the new environment, but above all in terms of servicing these subs and adapting the support infrastructure to their needs.”
It is hard to imagine that the Polish Navy, whose main focus is the Baltic Sea, would have a need for SSNs, but even such an unusual scenario is not ruled out by a spokesman for the Armament Agency:
“The latest solutions of AIP systems are involved. Nevertheless, nuclear-powered solutions can never be ruled out, as such technology provides full oceanic capabilities. The issue will be open and related to the financial capabilities and ultimately defined requirements of the Polish Navy.”
The Orka program was first launched in 2014 with the intention of procuring three submarines. At the time, a technical dialogue was held with manufacturers, including: Naval Group (then known as DCNS), thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Saab, Navantia, Nauta with MBDA. However, by 2017 the program didn’t make much progress. The selection of a foreign partner from among three companies was announced for January 2018: DCNS (Scorpène with MBDA NCM/MdCN cruise missiles), tkMS (212CD) and Saab (A26 Blekinge). But such selection never happened. The Polish Navy soon changed its priority to frigates to be built under the Miecznik program.
Some new players?
Large purchases of military equipment from the Republic of Korea t for Polish Armed Forces mean that a new player is on the horizon. So not only Naval Group, tkMS, Saab and Navantia will be invited to bid. The Korean KSS-III class large conventional submarine, equipped with AIP and armed with vertical launchers for cruise missiles and ballistic missiles with conventional payloads, may prove to be an attractive offer for Poland. Turkey, which is becoming more independent in submarine production and already offers its own designs, cannot be ruled out either.
Orka submarines missions
Orka is to be designed for the following missions:
Current Polish Navy submarine “fleet”
Currently, the Polish Navy has one submarine, ORP Orzeł (project 877E/Kilo-class). It is a completely obsolete unit that has been under repair for several years. Previously, four Kobben-class submaribes received from Norway at the beginning of this century were decomissioned (in 2017, 2018 and two in 2021). Each one was more than 50 years old….
Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us