Poland Advances Orca Submarine Program Amid Modernization Push

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The bid to acquire new submarines was unveiled on a Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak. The Orca program, long a cornerstone of modernization efforts, has repeatedly featured in reform plans over the years. A Polityka Insight article quoted Marek Świerczyński, head of the Ministry of National Defence, noting that deploying the Orca program would restore critical capabilities on today’s battlefield. An editor-in-chief of Nowa Technika Wojskowa, Mariusz Cielma, emphasized that the navy is awaiting submarines.

A formal start to the Orca program is underway, with the procurement process set to begin later this year. The plan includes not only buying submarines but also transferring essential technologies through an offset arrangement, as stated by the defence leadership during a Defense24 Day conference in Warsaw.

What ships are envisioned?

The Ministry indicated it would soon release specifics on the fleet size, equipment, and the capabilities expected to boost industry, as well as research and development centers. Officials stressed that the submarines must be able to conduct long-duration missions, carry substantial military payloads, feature flexible configurations, and demonstrate high-speed stealth with extended underwater endurance.

The vessels should carry torpedoes and long-range missiles capable of striking targets deep within an adversary’s territory. The defence chief asserted that in the event of an attack on Poland, the foe would face not only heavy losses but also a real threat from these submarines operating where expected disruption is greatest.

Polish “fangs” in long-range weapons

The term Polish Fangs has appeared in modernization discussions since 2012, referring to long-range strike capabilities. It appeared in relation to NSM anti-ship missiles, coastal defense units, JASSM air-to-surface missiles used with aircraft, and long-range cruise missiles intended for submarines.

The deputy prime minister noted that the Ministry is watching global developments, including Australia’s submarine procurement, which contemplates collaboration with the United States and the United Kingdom on nuclear-powered vessels.

He invited partners from Europe and beyond to participate in the forthcoming tender, which would be announced soon, the defense chief stated.

Interest in Orca from other nations

France, Germany, and Sweden have expressed interest in the Orca program, proposing extensive industrial cooperation. Swedish Saab proposed ships with the A26 design, Germany’s TKMS suggested Type 212A or 214 platforms, and France’s Naval Group offered a Scorpene-class unit armed with MBDA missiles. France noted that it did not plan to arm these ships with missiles from another supplier.

For years, the procurement of new submarines has been a technical modernization objective.

Plans for navy modernization

Poland’s 2012 naval development concept through 2030 outlined the purchase of three Orca submarines. The agreement was once slated for 2013, with the first two submarines expected by 2022 and the third by 2030. Orca remained a priority in modernization programs through 2013–2022, 2017–26, and 2021–35.

The program’s cost was estimated around 10 billion PLN. Over time, the plan evolved to include four submarines, and long-range cruise missiles became a requirement. There were even considerations for joint purchases with Norway or the Netherlands to reduce costs.

In late 2017, the ministry then led by Antoni Macierewicz announced a decision on selecting a strategic partner would come in January 2018. In early January 2018, Mariusz Błaszczak became the minister, replacing Macierewicz.

In August 2019, the ministry communicated that an analytical and conceptual phase was underway to determine how best to acquire new submarines, while pursuing a bridging solution to keep trained crews ready and able to operate submarines after older vessels were withdrawn.

Bridging solutions

In 2020, talks with Sweden explored using upgraded A17/Södermanland-class ships as a bridging option until a final solution was chosen. By February 2021, the ministry announced plans to receive a new coastal defense vessel under the Miecznik program, with the potential purchase of used submarines depending on Sweden’s proposal, price, and delivery timeline. At that stage, two new submarines might arrive by 2034, with discussions about leasing two used, upgraded A17 boats as a bridging measure.

By December 2021, ORP Sęp and ORP Bielik were withdrawn from service—the last Kobben-class submarines in operation. Poland currently operates only one submarine, ORP Orzeł, a vessel developed in the Soviet era and launched in 1985.

“Positive communications”

Observers welcomed the announcement, noting continued political willingness to review submarine purchases. Commenting on the defence chiefs’ statements for PAP, Marek Świerczyński from Polityka Insight underscored that the process would unfold with further developments. It was recalled that the defense minister had pledged to end the program if second-hand ships dominated the discussion, a stance that has since evolved with new strategic considerations.

Experts emphasized that the shift away from earlier preferences to newer solutions reflects a broader reassessment of Poland’s naval needs and the desire to maintain a capable maritime force.

“We are restoring sea capacity that is essential”

Świerczyński argued that the current focus marks a return to a starting point where underwater capability is seen as one of the most limited and critically needed assets. He highlighted that a submarine platform remains the hardest to detect among combat systems, with the potential to execute multiple tasks simultaneously and operate from coastal waters to the global ocean.

Submarines are capable of carrying long-range missiles that launch from beneath the surface, providing a significant strategic advantage in stealth and reach. The term Polish Fangs, used by the defence leadership, signified that long-range armament concepts developed long ago still hold value and require active consideration.

A broader view aired by officials and analysts stresses that the needs of the submarine squadron are being integrated into ongoing modernization efforts, strengthening both operational readiness and industrial collaboration.

Opinions from the field

Mariusz Cielma, editor-in-chief of Nowa Technika Wojskowa, echoed that the navy is pursuing a new class of submarines to sustain operational capacity, personnel strength, and the ability to meet adversaries’ challenges. He noted that the current fleet lacks the capability to perform essential tasks and that Orzeł alone cannot meet the navy’s requirements.

He welcomed the tender as a competitive process that could yield better prices and broader economic benefits, while stressing the need for timely action given regional security dynamics.

In light of ongoing regional events, the Polish Navy sees a clear necessity for submarines. The substantial investments in defence and the smart use of financial programs underscore the priority placed on arming the navy for modern, multi-domain warfare.

Additional references underscore the defence ministry’s ongoing commitment to boosting the Polish defense industry and ensuring that the armed forces have access to the best technology available, aligning with national security objectives.

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