On September 27, 2018 I reported on Poland’s Orka future
submarine program to buy 3 medium sized submarines.
The new submarines need to replace Poland’s 2 operating Kobben class subs (ORP Sokół and ORP Bielik - on
average 54 years old) and its 33 year
old Kilo
class sub (ORP Orzel).
Poland’s DziennikZbrojny.pl military portal reported April 6, 2019 about the
progress of the Orka program. I've translated the report from Polish and summarised it below.
In late March
2019 the Polish Ministry of National Defense floated an armaments plan. See the naval build plan (above) published on the DziennikZbrojny report. Under the draft plan the
build of the first Orka submarine will only begin in mid 2023. This means that
the first Orka might only be launched in 2026-2027.
It is reported
that the Orka program has ceased to be a priority for the Defense Ministry. The
Ministry had planned to choose the main foreign contractor in January 2018, but
this deadline has passed with little explanation. Beginning the build in 2023
means delivery to the Navy in 2028-2029 at the earliest. The construction of a
modern submarine requires a minimum of 5-6 years.
By 2028-2029 the
Navy’s last two operating Kobben submarines [(ORP
Sokół and ORP
Bielik]
will be more than 60 years old – too old to operate. Meanwile the Kilo sub, ORP
Orzeł (291), will have been in service for 43 years and may also need retiring
before 2029.
Pete Comment
So Poland may not have operating submarines for 5 years, 2024 - 2029.
Pete
5 comments:
This is why Poland desperately needs to have a NICE long chat with Germany, France and Sweden on SSK Submarines
Pete,
getting the subs in 2024 seems very ambitious if Poland does not order an off the shelf design.
See Norway that aims to have the first sub in late 2026. And they seem to be much more proactive in their acquisition process.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/04/30/german-norwegian-officials-huddle-over-joint-submarine-program/
Hi Pete,
The Netherland will also delay its decision a bit Dutch keep Walrus submarine race going for a bit longer
/Kjell
Good points Pete. New Scorpene would seem to give us the best option and best fit within NATO. Also, I wonder if we will just lease a couple of used sub to tie us over.
New Scorpene would seem to be the best fit for operating within NATO. For short-term, I wonder if we can lease an used submarine or two, like the Indians.
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