Babcock extends support for Poland’s Miecznik frigate program until 2031.

According to a PR published by Babcock on September 3, 2024, the company has extended its partnership with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ SA) to support Poland's Miecznik frigate program until the delivery of the third ship in 2031.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Artist rendering of the future Polish Miecznik class frigate. (Picture source: PGZ)

This effort follows a series of agreements established in recent years, including a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in 2022, which led to a Class Design Contract, a Project Management Office support contract, and a Transfer of Knowledge & Technology (TOKAT) framework agreement. These agreements have laid the foundation for building three multi-role frigates for the Polish Navy.

The extended partnership also reflects a shared vision between the UK and Polish governments, both of which have chosen Babcock’s AH140 design for their naval needs. This positions Poland as a key player in a broader international network centered around this next-generation frigate design.

About the Miezcnik class frigate

Based on the Arrowhead 140 design, these multi-role frigates are being constructed to enhance the Polish Navy's capabilities in various maritime operations, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. The vessels are designed to be approximately 138.7 meters in length with a displacement of around 7,000 tons, making them among the largest combat ships ever built for the Polish Navy.

Equipped with advanced radar, artillery, and missile systems, the Miecznik-class frigates are designed for versatile operations. Key systems include the Sea Ceptor air defense system from MBDA, capable of countering a wide range of modern threats such as supersonic anti-ship missiles and unmanned surface vessels. The frigates will also feature a Leonardo 76mm Super Rapido main gun with Strales capability, various close-in weapon systems, and advanced sonar systems provided by Thales.

This program represents a strategic collaboration between Poland and international defense partners, including Babcock, MBDA, and Thales.

The Miecznik-class is also designed with future upgrades in mind. There is provision for integrating longer-range missiles, such as the CAMM-ER and CAMM-MR.