WEB SPECIAL - Polish Fleet Update

POLISH FLEET UPDATE

The Polish Navy is in a state of transformation brought on by its entry into NATO. Charles Strathdee provides a summary of the latest developments.

SECOND PERRY FFG

Gen. K. Pulaski, first of the Perry Class frigates transferred from the US Navy to the Polish fleet.

The Polish fleet’s second ex-US Navy Perry Class frigate, the ORP Gen. K. Kosciusko, was due to arrive in Polish waters on September 27. During sea trials, while operating out of San Diego this summer, the Kosciusko helped Panamanian fishermen in distress. The Polish crew provided medical aid, repaired the fishing boat and towed the vessel to safe harbour. The first of the Perrys, Gen. K. Pulaski, last year successfully completed crew training and work-up to become operational for participation in NATO activities.

NEW CORVETTES

An artist’s impression of the new multi-role corvette.

Meanwhile Poland’s multi-purpose corvette programme is progressing, with the first under construction at Naval Shipyard Gdynia following the keel laying last November. These new Gawron Class ships will be capable of anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare.

KORMORAN CLASS MCMVs

In 2003 the keel will be laid for the first of the fleet’s new Kormoran Class mine-hunters. Having modernised the mine-sweepers Mewa, Czajka and Flaming, which act now as mine-sweepers and mine-hunters, the Polish Navy has gained experience and technical solutions, which will be used in the new ships. The Kormorans will have a displacement of about 500 tons, will be equipped with mine-sweeping gear, underwater vehicles and a modern sonar. The ships will be equipped with Surface-to- Air-Missiles (SAMs) for self-defence.

FPB MODERNISATION

In 2001 the Polish Navy began a modernisation programme for its Orkan Class Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs). Three ships of the class are being up-graded - Orkan, Piorun and Grom. The ships will be equipped with Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSMs) and an effective air-defence system. Thales Nederland is providing an integrated combat system. The RBS 15 missile system, new radars, electronics and self-defence systems will be installed and the SAM system up-graded. The Tarantul Class FPBs are also being modernised over the next few years.

SSK FORCE REVITALISED

Sokol, the first Kobben Class submarine transferred from Norway to Poland, alongside at Gdynia Naval Base.

The decommissioning of two obsolete Foxtrot Class submarines (this year and 2003) has been made possible by the acquisition of five Kobben Class boats from the Norwegian Navy. The Transfer is due to be completed by 2004. The first of these boats is called Sokol, with the naming ceremony taking place at Gdynia Naval Base in June this year.The second Kobben to enter service is named Sep, having been commissioned in August.

NAVAL AIR REJUVENATION

The Polish Navy is modernising its aviation assets, with new Bryza Class Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs) being acquired. The airborne component of ASW is also being developed. In January 2002 the Bryza TD entered service, a multi-role transport capable of carrying equipment, medical supplies, passengers and paratroopers. At the beginning of 2002 the Polish Navy acquired modernised Mi-14 PL helicopters equipped with new ASW systems. These significantly increase the effectiveness of the combined ship-aircraft ASW operations. Other helicopters are being modernised by Polish industry to operate from ships, including the new corvettes.

LOGISTICS SHIP DEPLOYS

In September 2001, the new logistics ship, the Kontradmiral Xawery Czernicki entered service. She has since been committed to the Coalition campaign against terrorism in the Middle East.

Based upon material supplied by Lt (JG) Bartosz Zajda of the Polish Navy.