Poland is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with South Korean-based Hanwha Ocean that could include investment in Polish shipyards and the construction of three submarines.
Throughout its history, Poland has never been known to be a great naval power.
Yet, its location along the Black Sea and proximity to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad have resulted in Warsaw putting greater emphasis on its navy with a focus on regional defense.
That includes a need to modernize its submarine force, which is barely in existence.
Currently, Poland’s Marynarka Wojenna (War Navy) only operates a single submarine, the aging ORP Orzeł, a Soviet-era Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine that entered service in the 1980s. It hasn’t undergone any notable modernization, and its capabilities could be described as “limited” at best.
However, Warsaw is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with South Korean-based Hanwha Ocean that could include investment in Polish shipyards and the construction of three submarines. As part of the nearly $5.44 billion deal, Hanwha would help expand the Remontowa Shipyard in Gdansk and the Nauta Shipyard in Gdynia.
“We are striving to bolster our partnerships with local firms for the further advancement of the economy, industry and marine development of both Korea and Poland, and engage in more business in Poland, which we hope will lead to winning our bid,” stated Park Sung-woo, managing director of the overseas business division at Hanwha Ocean.
What Is the State of Poland’s Submarines?
The three submarines that could soon be used to patrol the waters of the Baltic Sea would be based on the KSS-III Batch II diesel-electric submarines already being constructed for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). Each can be armed with up to six tubes to fire wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and cruise missiles, or deploy mobile mines. The boats also have hull-mounted vertical launchers for conventionally-armed Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
The KSS-III subs are further equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system that allows the boats to be submerged for more than twenty days while reaching top speeds of twenty knots.
If a deal is concluded, the first of the planned three submarines could be delivered to the NATO member within six years, while all three would be delivered to Poland within nine years.
South Korean Shipbuilders Reach Out to the Polish Navy
Given that the Polish Navy doesn’t have anything resembling a serious track record with submarines, Hanwha Ocean has also offered to assist, according to international military analyst firm Janes that has included the leasing of the decommissioned Jang Bogo, a KSS-I-class diesel-electric submarine, to Warsaw while providing technical assistance.
That could be crucial for crew training on the far more advanced KSS-IIII.
“The vessel is expected to be decommissioned from the South Korean navy in 2027 and, after refitting, could be delivered to Poland,” Hanwha representatives told Jane’s. To further facilitate the training, “some of the command systems, which will be compatible with the KSS-III Batch 2 vessels, might be installed onboard. Such a solution could help to train Polish crews before the delivery,” the analyst firm added.
Poland’s Submarines Protect the Critical Infrastructure of the Baltic Sea
Future submarines could be essential in protecting the critical infrastructure that crosses under the Baltic Sea, including telecommunication lines, electric cables, and natural gas pipelines. NATO launched its “Baltic Sentry” initiative earlier this year.
Beyond submarines, Poland also signed a contract for a new rescue ship that will be one of the largest military vessels to operate in the Baltic. According to Naval News, the future Ratownik will be employed in submarine rescue operations and seabed warfare, including protecting “critical undersea infrastructure” (CUI). At the same time, it will support “NATO allied operations in the Baltic Sea region.”
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
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