Poland to launch first Miecznik-class frigate ORP Wicher on August 13
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Poland will christen and launch the first of its new Miecznik-class frigates, ORP Wicher, on August 12–13 at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna shipyard in Gdynia. The milestone brings Warsaw closer to replacing its aging U.S.-built Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. The hull left the construction hall on August 9, starting a multi-day operation ahead of the vessel’s first entry into the water.
The Miecznik Program
The Miecznik program covers three multi-role frigates—ORP Wicher, ORP Burza, and ORP Huragan—derived from Babcock International’s Arrowhead 140 design. PGZ Stocznia Wojenna is building the ships in Gdynia with substantial participation from Poland’s defense industry. Wicher, with an overall length of about 138 meters and a beam of roughly 20 meters, will displace around 7,000 tonnes. Its four diesel engines in a CODAD configuration give a top speed of 28 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. The frigate is designed for a crew of 120 with additional accommodations for 60 mission personnel.
Polish Navy Overhaul
Poland’s surface fleet currently relies on two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, ORP Generał Kazimierz Pułaski and ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko, transferred by the United States in the early 2000s after entering U.S. Navy service in the early 1980s. They are supplemented by the corvette ORP Kaszub, the patrol corvette ORP Ślązak, Orkan-class missile craft, and a mine warfare component. With over 500 kilometers of Baltic coastline and a central position on NATO’s northeastern flank, Warsaw is prioritizing larger surface combatants. Wicher is expected to enter service in 2029, with the remaining ships following early next decade.
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