Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and Rolls-Royce Solutions have signed a cooperation agreement covering joint projects involving MTU propulsion systems for both military vehicles and naval vessels. Under the deal, key equipment will be maintained and serviced in Poland, boosting supply chain efficiency and increasing local content. With plans for further naval acquisitions for the Polish Navy, the agreement opens the door to additional contracts for ship propulsion systems.

The document sets out the scope of collaboration on servicing and overhauls of MTU engines used by the Polish Armed Forces, while also paving the way for domestic production of complete propulsion systems and engine components. Plans also include cooperation on naval engines. Notably, on 20 December 2023, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna signed a contract with Rolls-Royce Solutions for main engines, generator sets, and propulsion management systems for three multi-role frigates under the Miecznik programme.

“Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa works with global industrial partners, one of the most important being Rolls-Royce. We cooperate on projects including the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle and vessels under the Miecznik programme. Today’s agreement gives us the opportunity to acquire capabilities in spare parts and propulsion system components, to integrate qualified suppliers into Rolls-Royce’s global supply chain, and to carry out joint projects for third countries. This is another step in a strategic collaboration strengthening the Polish defence industry. The idea of ‘Polonisation’ is taking tangible form and is set to expand further,” said Arkadiusz Bąk, First Vice-President of PGZ S.A.

“Andreas Görtz, President of the Mobile & Sustainable Business Unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, added: “PGZ selecting us as a partner for expanded cooperation recognises our existing collaboration and encourages joint action toward a successful future.”

“Rolls-Royce Power Systems has been a reliable partner of the Polish Armed Forces for decades. Many vehicles in the current military fleet are powered by MTU engines. The new Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle, ordered by the Polish Army in over 1,000 units, is also powered by the MTU 8V199 engine,” noted Paul Röck, Vice-President of Sales at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Deliveries of contracted equipment for the multi-role frigates, which will join the Polish Navy between 2029 and 2031, are already underway. Each vessel will be equipped with four MTU 20V8000M71 main engines, measuring 6.65 × 2.04 × 3.38 metres, weighing 45.3 tonnes each, and generating over 8,000 kW (nearly 11,000 hp). Collectively, the four engines per ship will weigh approximately 136 tonnes. Rolls-Royce will also supply MTU 12V4000M53B generator sets and the MTU propulsion control and monitoring system.

Images: courtesy PGZ Stocznia Wojenna