The invitation of Swedes to the “Orka” program will not only benefit the Navy, but besides Polish manufacture or science. We have a partner with whom we have a community of strategical interests. But it's besides a good choice for purely technological reasons – emphasised kmdr Łukasz Szmigiel, commander of the Submarine Division of 3 Fleet Ships in Gdynia.
Submarine ships under the “Orca” program will build us Swedes. What do we gain from this choice?
Kmdr Łukasz Szmigiel: First of all, 3 modern ships, adapted for Baltic activities, but besides a bridge solution. By the time we get to the first 1 ordered A26 Blekinge, we're outlawing from the Swedes the alleged gap-filler. The ship will stay full armed, the white and red flag will be raised on it, and we will be able to usage it not only for training purposes, but besides for operational purposes. In this way, we will keep a number of abilities attributed to our squadron. These include the recognition and monitoring of key shipping routes. This is very crucial for the Navy.
The choice of Sweden is besides another step towards building strategical ties between both countries. This process has progressed since Our northern neighbors joined NATO. Now we will benefit from the tremendous amount of their experience, both in the plan and construction of submarines and in the performance of tasks at sea. In this context, it is crucial that the Swedish Navy operates on the same water supply as we do. We besides have a common opponent that the Swedes have learned to deal with. We are formally close, due to the fact that although Sweden did not join the North Atlantic Alliance until March 2024, it had previously worked with it for many years as part of the Peace Partnership.
Polish manufacture and discipline will yet benefit from this contract. It provides us with the flow of technology. For assistance and exchange of experience, it will be easy to find Swedish ports, naval bases, Karlskron shipyards or geographically accessible technological centres.
To entrust Orki to Swedes in this context seems to be the optimal solution.
The Swedes themselves emphasize that the A26 will be a ship tailored to the Baltic. What's behind this?
A26 was designed to meet the prevailing hydrological conditions in the Baltic. Here the basic parameter is salinity density. Indirectly, it translates into the size of an individual, which in turn influences its parameters and performance, including how much specified a ship can carry.
And speaking of equipping the ship – how do you measure the Swedish proposal?
In terms of quality and parameters, A26 is the highest global shelf. The ships will be equipped with light torpedoes – TP-47 and dense – TP-63. They can besides put up mines. Importantly, the maker of this weapon is Saab Kockums – a company that designed and now builds A26. Therefore, if necessary, it will not gotta ask another companies for a licence to adapt certain solutions to the platform itself. This will facilitate not only the construction process, but besides subsequent renovations.
The Karlskron shipyard has very versatile units. Thanks to peculiar portals (Multi Mission Portal) in the front of the hull from their decks will be able to operate peculiar military divers and submarines. And if necessary, you can install 2 additional torpedo launchers in the portal, utilizing a peculiar adapter, so that their number grows to six. A26 is besides a large asset of modular design. It opens the way to equip ships, for example, in the launcher of vertical launch missiles, but besides enriching them with another additional sections. All of this translates into a immense possible for modernization, which is crucial in the case of submarines, due to the fact that they are not purchased for a year or two. In these days, technology is changing rapidly, and we, in order to keep our abilities at the highest level, must respond to this...
An crucial issue is besides the AIP, which allows the ship to stay underwater longer. This Swedish is based on Stirling's engines, which, before choosing a partner in the “Orka” program caused heated discussions...
Yes, there was information in the media that indicated that this kind of drive was comparatively loud and caused hull vibrations, and that an AIP powered by fuel cells would be a better solution. I wouldn't agree with that. We had the chance to look closely at the drive in the version proposed by the Swedes. A fewer months ago, 1 of our officers took part in exercises on board another Swedish kind A17 ship, which is besides equipped with an AIP with Stirling engines and came to another conclusions. The mode of operation of specified a mechanics does not disagree much from what we get with fuel cells. Thanks to the Swedish version of the AIP A26, it will be able to stay underwater for about 18 days. Again – this time is comparable to the capabilities of ships equipped with these cells. For this, the supplies essential for the operation of Stirling's engines, i.e. low sulphur diesel and liquid oxygen can be successfully replenished at sea, which was tested by Swedes. In the event of a malfunction, the strategy is yet very easy to exchange. To remove the engine module and replace it with a fresh one, just a fewer hours in the port.
Swedes are precursors to the usage of this kind of drive and have quite a few experience in this. AIP with Stirling engines was tested as early as 1989, on 1 of the Nacken-type submarines. Then Gotland, who inactive service in the Navy, utilized it. A akin solution was besides applied to submarines utilized by Australia, Japan and Singapore. It worked.
In the meantime, details are being added about Orka, and shortly the Polish government should sign a contract with Swedes. What's next?
Soon we will begin building in the squadron an organizational structure related to taking over the fresh ship – for now a bridge. Here it is essential to make a combat schedule, which is to delegate crew members to appropriate positions. To do that, we request to agenda the ship's regular operation. A simple copy of these solutions from the Swedes is not an option due to the fact that each country has its own regulations and conditions for service on board.
Any thought which ship will become a gap-filler?
There can only be 1 solution here. We will temporarily receive the ship A17 Sodermanland. At the moment, the Swedish Navy can only retreat this unit due to the fact that the A19 Gotland ships now form the basis of the submarine there. The leasing of Poland A17 was included in the Swedish offer.
Gap-filler is to be received in 2027. Before that, our sailors will go to training in Sweden. We would like this to happen as shortly as possible, but the deadlines will should be further clarified in the pre-contractual talks.
A26 ships were besides ordered by the Swedish Navy. 2 specified units are presently being built in Karlskrona. Meanwhile, Navy holiday In Świnoujście Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz admitted that there is simply a good chance that the Swedes would let us in line. If this actually happens, at least 1 of these ships will fall to Poland. So – will the dOP sailors assist with their construction?
In fact, that's usually the case. Before the ship enters the line, a skeleton crew is appointed to participate in its construction. All to know the unit from the lining. It's besides part of the training. I presume we'll be going to Karlskrona soon. As for the transfer of A26 to Poland, I am an optimist. In the Swedish offer, the Swedes declared that the first of the fresh ships would scope us in 2030, and another as shortly as technically possible. However, precise dates will inactive be the subject of negotiations with representatives of both governments.
Anyway, I'm guessing at the time of your selection, you guys took a small breath in the squadron...
Right. After long years of co-ordination and discussion, we have yet taken a solid step forward. At the same time, we are aware of the large challenges ahead. After all, the construction will take respective years, and we must keep people in the service and train them accordingly. We should besides do everything we can to keep our only ORP Eagle present for the time being. We have quite a few work to do, but we're ready for it.
