In Warsaw, the strategical conference "The capabilities of the Polish Navy and the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic" began, which brings together the most crucial decision makers in the field of defence. It is attended by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka and Undersecretary of State in MON Stanisław Wzątek.
The head of the MON revealed during the beginning the current state of the tender process for submarines. "There are six offers submitted, initially there were seven, and now there are six, due to the fact that the Koreans combined 2 of their offers" - said Kosiniak-Kamish.
Six countries in the contract game
The Minister has calculated all the competitive proposals under the Orka programme. "There are offers from Italy, Spain, France, there is simply a German-Norwegian, Swedish, Korean offer" - added Deputy Prime Minister. The program provides for the acquisition of 3 fresh submarines and is 1 of the most crucial modernisation programs of the Polish Navy.
A final analysis at Council of Ministers level on the selection of the partner country has already been decided. "We have a strict agenda written with the Armed Forces Agency" - provided the head of the MON. The government instructed the Minister of Defence to prepare a advice that would take into account not only the needs of the military, but besides the benefits for the Polish industry.
Strengthening Baltic security
Kosiniak-Kamysz recalled the importance of the Baltic Declaration, which was signed in early June, developed on the initiative of the Polish MON. The paper was signed by representatives of defence departments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.
The Minister stressed the function of ongoing Gulf and Baltic Sentry operations and another forms of allied cooperation. "A large value for those who have maintained the ability to operate underwater is the acquisition of submarines" - noted the Deputy Prime Minister.
Cooperation with Ukraine in the improvement of drones
The head of the MON besides talked about the acquisition of water and underwater drone systems, which he spoke about last week with Ukrainian Minister Denys Shmyhal. "The improvement of the drone manufacture in Ukraine is awesome and the implementation of this to the army deserves our recognition" - he said.
The NATO structures set up a NATO-Ukraine Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JTEC) unit to implement Ukrainian experience at Alliance level. A national centre on implementation of Ukrainian experiences is besides established.
Development of economical infrastructure
Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed out initiatives to guarantee the improvement of the Polish economy, including the expansion of container ports in Gdańsk and Świnoujście. He stressed the importance of carrying out projects ensuring the continuity of the functioning of critical infrastructure of the state.
Among the precedence initiatives was the Green Industrial territory task Kaszubia close wind farms in the Baltic. "He will draw energy to make even the defence industry" - he said, pointing out that he is simply a supporter of the improvement of Polish wind energy.
Ambitions for the Polish Navy
The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the ongoing "great acceleration" and appreciation of the function of the Navy and the Baltic Sea as a key transport route. "If this modernisation plan is full implemented, the Polish Navy will be 1 of the strongest operating not only in the Baltic Sea region, but among all NATO countries" - he stressed.
"Diversification is simply a origin of greater security" - concluded the minister, referring to a multi-dimensional strategy to strengthen Polish defence and economical capabilities in the Baltic.
Sources used: "PAP" Note: This article has been edited with the aid of Artificial Intelligence.
