Naval upgrades aren't just ships. It is crucial to make modern operational capabilities that will let us to win a possible armed conflict," emphasises Viceadm. Piotr Nieć, Deputy Commander of Operations of Types of Armed Forces, and Deputy Commander of Natovian Command CTF-Baltic.
On Wednesday, the government chose a company to supply Poland with fresh submarines. On the same day, we had a sheet cutting under Ratownika. In December, in turn, we will witness the baptism and launching of another Kormoran II kind mine destroyer and the placing of a keel under the second frigate in the program "The Sword". That's the end of the year the Navy hasn't had in a long time.
Viceadm. Peter Nieć: That's right, we have something to be happy about. However, it must be remembered that, contrary to popular opinion until recently, the Navy had already bounced back respective years ago. It was then that the way of reasoning about this kind of armed forces changed among the decision-makers, modernisation plans were started, first agreements were signed. Now we are watching the effects of these and subsequent actions, and we are even accelerating, which is simply a sign of which the decision has just been made to choose the maker of submarines. but I don't truly like it erstwhile you look at your coat only through the prism of ships. They are of course important, but equally crucial stay operational capabilities – staff training, logistics, procedures, level of readiness. Only erstwhile we combine all this into 1 well-functioning organism can we say that we have achieved success and that taxpayers' money has not been wasted.
I realize there's quite a few work to be done in front of the Navy.
A lot...
How, then, should it change to meet modern requirements?
I'll most likely exposure myself to criticism of part of my environment, but I want to say it out loud. In my opinion, we gotta break the slogan: "Cut down, patience, tradition", due to the fact that it is kind of a trap. By following it, we're looking over our shoulder. We reject the request for fast change, a revolution in thinking.
Risky words.
Maybe. But without that, it will be hard to decision forward. Meanwhile, we should make a truly large leap. Firstly, we must make a clear and clear imagination of naval improvement and triumph in a possible war. This concept should be based on cognition of fresh technologies and the nature of modern armed conflicts, and any solution proposed in it necessarily verified through war games.
To this end, a strong investment should be made in training crews and widely understood naval personnel. We cannot afford to teach ourselves. We request to build an advanced strategy of method training, but besides tactical training, based on simulators, experiments, exercises and cooperation with the best Natov centers. A strategy that uses experience and unleashes the intellectual possible of all naval personnel. Only in this way will we be able to prepare sailors for service so that they can make full usage of the capabilities of the equipment we are buying. And this 1 will get more modern.
Another thing – we absolutely must find a way to keep trained professionals within our ranks. We cannot let officers with experience in abroad exercises and missions to leave the service overnight. We request their experience, even to pass it on to younger generations. How do we do that? I admit that this is another of the challenges facing the Navy.
There is besides a question of trust in the superior-subsidiary relationship. There are presently 2 visions of working in the navy. I would simply call it east and west. No trust in the first. The superior full controls the subordinate, leaves him no freedom. In turn, the subordinate stops reasoning creatively, waiting solely for orders. The Western model functions differently – here the subordinate is expected to think independently, initiative and even open discussion during the task planning phase. The supervisor is built erstwhile he can solve problems reported by the subordinate. This does not gotta break the service hierarchy, and it will surely translate into a better functioning of the body, which is the Navy.
Last but not least, we should consistently build interoperability with NATO. Remember that as A associate of the Alliance with a 25-year stint We can't just stand by. We gotta face even the most hard challenges, even if it would require breaking the regular routine.
Without that, we can't build a modern navy.
Except there'll always be ships at the end of this puzzle. due to the fact that there's something sailors gotta go out to do. Apart from the modernization programs that are just materializing – what else does the navy need?
I'm certain we could usage fresh logistics ships. We besides absolutely request onboard helicopters. Without them we will not be able to full exploit the possible of the frigate that we build in the “Meaner” programme. In addition, we request to thin more carefully over unmanned systems. Their importance is constantly growing, regardless of the domain.
It all takes quite a few money. How can we convince decision-makers, but besides average taxpayers, that they should be spent on a navy? For if an open war breaks out in our part of the world, it will be fought mainly on land and in the air...
I think that decision-makers no longer request to be persuaded. They know the Baltic is important. Proof: modernization programs they decided to invest in. As for public opinion... Just a fewer examples. Firstly, critical infrastructure. After the bottom of the sea there are pipelines, which scope us with gas, we have large transhipment ports, shortly the construction of wind farms will besides begin close the Polish coast. The Baltic is simply a large bus. Transmission belt for natural materials and goods without which it is hard to imagine the functioning of the economy. And individual on this bus has to watch. Example 2 – a full-scale war behind our east border. After its outbreak, Poland became a kind of hub through which it flows to Western Ukraine aid. A large condition of the equipment passed on reaches us by sea. It can be assumed that it would be akin in the case of aggression against Poland. but the transportation routes would be shorter. After all, more tanks or armored transporters can be transferred on board the ship than even by train. This mechanics becomes even clearer for Finland, Sweden or the Baltic States. From a Western European point of view, all these countries are a bit like islands. The main routes available are at sea. And possible convoys with help, like critical infrastructure, must be protected somehow. Poland as a NATO associate must accept this commitment. Our safety besides depends on it.
In conclusion, it is essential to build a society conscious of its morsity. In practice, this means that there must be a change in the doctrine of utilizing shippower. Ships are not utilized to stand in port and wait for war. Ships, in accordance with the will of the decision-makers, should be at sea to form the safety environment and distract citizens' concerns. Professionalism in these activities will consequence in public support.
It's been very restless in the Baltic lately. We were dealing with a series of incidents during which critical infrastructure was damaged. Has the situation stabilised in any way? You're watching this very closely, as deputy CTF-Baltic commander...
We had almost precisely a year ago with the severity of the incidents you mentioned. In consequence NATO initiated ‘Baltic Sentry’ – activities within EVA, i.e. the alleged increased activity. A larger number of allied ships began operating in the Baltic. The crews focused on monitoring shipping routes, especially in the area of critical infrastructure crucial to the surrounding countries. And it was in my opinion that the consequence – from the minute the mission started for good, the harm to submarine cables and pipelines stopped. However, the hazard of diversion has not decreased. From time to time, we note worrying events, if not at sea, in its immediate vicinity. It is adequate to mention drones that late appeared over Copenhagen Airport.
In general, there's quite a few work at CTF-B. This command was created to command the ships that operate under the Alliance flag and have just entered the Baltic. In addition, we coordinate the activities of ships and aviation, which are in the national subordination of countries located on the Baltic Sea. It's in peacetime. If a war breaks out, CTF-B commander is required to conduct an allied naval defence operation in the Baltic. This requires, of course, a appropriate plan and a series of exercises... We truly have something to do.
Is there any chance that the tension around the Baltic will decrease soon? How much can a possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine change? We are witnessing further discussions on this matter...
It's hard to tell what the future will bring. But I don't think the tension's going to drop so fast. From expert analyses – and I mean publically available materials – it is clear that the global safety strategy is transforming in our eyes, and this process, regardless of decisions in Ukraine, will proceed. specified changes always affect tensions, turmoil, sometimes wars. And the Baltic is simply a peculiar place. It's a space where Russia and NATO can interact directly. In global waters, the ships of both sides can operate almost onboard, and this fact alone does not constitute a violation of the law. This is not on land or in airspace, where armies of individual states separate a clear border from each another during peacetime.
The Baltic so remains an inflammatory region, even more than during the Cold War. due to the fact that after joining NATO, Sweden, Finland, Poland and the Baltic States there is simply a contractual border between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance. So all kinds of provocations, acts of diversion, unfortunately, are a possible to be reckoned with...
And since you mentioned the law – late The Sejm passed a bill called the “Safe Baltic”. It gives the Navy fresh powers. For example, ships will be able to operate more freely in global waters and open fire in defence of critical infrastructure. How do you feel about that?
Well, the bill was passed by the Sejm, but it will inactive be filed in the Senate. Before this full trial is over, I don't want to comment on it. Let me just say that it reflects the changing approach to the Baltic Sea and the increasing awareness of the possibilities of having a Navy. It is crucial for me to modify the rules for the usage of ships outside the country. Until now, regulations in Poland have been saddened to the needs of land missions. They assumed that our soldiers, leaving Polish territory, were automatically located in another country. However, the legislature did not consider that the situation at sea was different. Polish territory ends 12 nautical miles from the shore, we inactive have global waters, outside the jurisdiction of another countries, which should be an area of regular activity of our navy – for example due to shipping routes located there or critical infrastructure for us. However, the existing government did not take into account the fact that we can monitor the country's external safety there without an global mandate. I must thank the operational commander here, who does not wear a naval uniform, but he pointed out this gap and gave the full case a run.
Meanwhile, Poland is preparing step by step to take command of the Baltic. In 2028 we will take command of CTF-Baltic. What phase of preparation are we at?
We have been serving in command for a year now in Rostock, gathering knowledge, our own insights, and then transferring them to the country. In Poland, analyses are underway, which will answer the question of how this CTF-B would look and what principles would work. This goes hand in hand with a highly advanced planning process. It is known that during our word of office, the CTF-B will be based on the structures of the Centre for Maritime Operations – the Command of the Marine Component in Gdynia. We have before us a preliminary conference with representatives of the countries on the Baltic, who intend to mention their experts to command. We showed them how the COM–DKM works, and we besides informed them what they can number on in Pomerania erstwhile it comes to surviving conditions – housing, schools. We inactive have quite a few work to do. Fortunately, it's not just a naval effort, it's a full force. We are powerfully supported by the General Staff of the Polish Army and the Operational Command of the Polish Army. Everyone is aware that in command of NATO forces in the Baltic, Poland can only gain. This is not only a substance of prestige, but besides a solid impetus for the full Navy.
So what can sailors want present – on the day of the Navy Day of Poland?
Traditionally – water feet under the keel. Times are uncertain, dark clouds have gathered on the horizon. We don't know if it's gonna be a storm or not, but... Let us want that the Navy would always have engaged and competent commanders at all levels—from the ship's division, through the ship itself, the squadron, the fleet, to the highest levels. They will be able to guide us through any turmoil.
