The PGZ Naval Shipyard in Gdynia was the site of a ceremony marking the start of construction on another vessel for the Polish Navy. On May 5th, in the presence of numerous invited guests, the steel-cutting ceremony was held for the future ORP Burza. This ship will be the second frigate built under the program, serving not only to strengthen the naval branch of the armed forces, but also to honor the legacy of historically significant Polish military vessels.

The event was an opportunity not only to launch the construction of a new ship but also to present various aspects of the project. Attendees were shown films depicting the expansion of the Gdynia shipyard, the role of the “Miecznik” program in Poland’s national defense system, and the progress on the first frigate, the future ORP Wicher. Work on this vessel began in August 2023, with the keel laid in January 2024. As shown, a significant portion of the hull has already been assembled in the hull construction hall, with upper sections of the superstructure also taking shape. The next major stage, planned for the near future, includes the joining of sections and blocks. The completed and painted hull will then be moved out of the facility and launched.

— Due to Russia’s criminal aggression against Ukraine, we now face a direct threat. This has significantly influenced changes in the defense doctrines and policies of the Baltic Sea region states. Poland’s construction of frigates is clear evidence that we treat maritime security with utmost seriousness. In this endeavor, we rely on our designers, engineers, shipbuilders, and partnering domestic companies. I believe our predecessors, who established the Naval Shipyard in Gdynia in 1922, would view these efforts with pride. Everything we do now is aimed at safeguarding trade routes, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing the economic potential of our ports — and ultimately, for all of us, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The contract for the construction and delivery of the ships was signed with the Armament Inspectorate on July 27, 2021. The project is being carried out by the PGZ-Miecznik Consortium, which includes the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ S.A.) and PGZ Naval Shipyard Sp. z o.o. The consortium's international strategic partners are Babcock, Thales UK, and MBDA UK. Among the subcontractors is the Gdynia-based CRIST S.A. shipyard, where the blocks and sections of the frigates are being built.

All vessels will be part of the Combat Ship Squadron of the 3rd Ship Flotilla and will be stationed at the Gdynia Naval Base. According to the schedule, the ships will enter service successively in 2029, 2030, and 2031. The launch of the first frigate is planned for 2026. The keel for the future ORP Burza will be laid in 2025, with launching expected two years later. The construction of the third ship, ORP Huragan, is planned to begin in 2026, with keel laying the same year, and launch in 2028. This means each frigate will take approximately 5–6 years to build.

The construction of these multi-role frigates is considered the largest undertaking of its kind in the history of the Polish shipbuilding industry. It will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Polish Navy and enable it to carry out a wide range of maritime tasks, including the protection of shipping routes and critical infrastructure. These new ships will constitute a vital contribution of the Republic of Poland to NATO, participating in the Alliance’s Standing Naval Forces. Their modern radar, artillery, and missile systems will allow them to counter threats in all domains — surface, underwater, and aerial. Thanks to these vessels, the Polish Navy will gain new operational capabilities, including readiness to participate in international missions and operate in waters around the globe.