PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (naval shipyard) in Gdynia may currently be focused on the upcoming launch of the first multi-purpose frigate under the Miecznik programme, but work on other projects continues across the facility. The Kormoran II-class minehunter ORP Albatros (602) has been fitted with a modern weapon system – the OSU-35K naval artillery system, designed and supplied by PIT-RADWAR.

The Gdynia shipyard carried out the installation and integration of the weapon system aboard the vessel. The ship's crew will most likely have an opportunity to test the gun during future sea trials and deployments.

The OSU-35K is a modern, remotely operated, multi-purpose close-in naval artillery system equipped with an automatic 35 mm cannon and an integrated electro-optical fire-control system. It is capable of engaging a range of different threats while providing a high degree of firing accuracy. The system is designed to operate around the clock, regardless of weather conditions. It can be integrated with a vessel's Combat Management System (CMS) or operate as a standalone system.

ORP Albatros is the second Kormoran II-class minehunter (Project 258), built at Gdańsk-based Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. The project was supervised by the Polish Register of Shipping (PRS). The consortium responsible for the construction of the vessels comprises PGZ Naval Shipyard S.A. and OBR CTM S.A. The Gdynia-based shipyard was responsible for the supply, installation, commissioning and testing of advanced shipboard systems, including the navigation and technical surveillance system, the Integrated Communications and Cryptographic System, ICT networks and weapons systems, including the aforementioned OSU-35 gun.

Three vessels of the class are currently in service. Alongside ORP Albatros, they are the prototype ORP Kormoran (601)and ORP Mewa (603). They entered service between 2017 and 2022. The vessels form part of the 13th Minesweeper Squadron of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla and are permanently based at Gdynia Naval Port.

It is worth noting that ORP Mewa, the youngest of the three, joined Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) in July this year as part of the Kormoran Polish Contingent. It is the first vessel of the class to embark on a six-month deployment, scheduled to run until the end of December, as part of the multinational naval group. Most recently, the ship took part in a mine-countermeasures exercise in British waters, Exercise Sea Breeze 26-2.

We have previously covered the Kormoran II-class minehunters in an article entitled Kormorans – the future of the Polish Navy's mine warfare forces. We also reported on ORP Mewa's deployment in an article entitled ORP Mewa leaves Gdynia and embarks on six-month deployment.

Three more Project 258 minehunters are also currently under construction. The future ORP Jaskółka (604), ORP Rybitwa (605) and ORP Czajka (606) are being built at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. All three have already been launched, with the first undergoing sea trials. They will join the 12th Minesweeper Squadron of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla and will be based at the Gdynia Naval Port. They are scheduled to enter service this year and next.

As emphasised by PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, although the Kormoran II-class minehunters and the Miecznik frigate programme are two separate projects, they share one important feature: both are being developed through cooperation between Polish companies, with the aim of strengthening the country’s maritime security. All work associated with the projects is proceeding according to its respective schedule, in line with the agreed plans and deadlines.

Photos: X/PGZ Stocznia Wojenna