ORP Slazak to evolve: Poland plans major combat upgrade for patrol corvette.

According to information published Defence24 on January 3, 2025, the Polish Ministry of National Defense has unveiled plans to transform the patrol corvette ORP Slazak into a fully operational combat vessel, equipped with advanced capabilities for engaging modern maritime threats.
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The Polish Gawron-class corvette ORP Slazak. (Picture source: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna)

The upgrade will include missile systems for targeting air and surface threats, the integration of unmanned aerial systems, and enhanced radar reconnaissance capabilities. This marks an evolution for a vessel with a complex history, potentially realizing its original design as a combat corvette.

A document published by the Armament Agency on December 30, 2024, details the scope of this ambitious modernization project, which aims to add substantial firepower and operational versatility to the ORP Ślązak. The initiative will begin with market consultations, enabling the ministry to assess technical solutions, determine costs, and define the required budget. Interested contractors have until January 17, 2025, to submit proposals, underscoring the urgency of the endeavor.

This announcement builds on preparatory work completed in 2022 by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), which evaluated the ship’s stability and buoyancy under various upgrade scenarios. These technical studies, conducted at a cost of approximately PLN 520,966.50 (US $130 000), laid the groundwork for the current plans.

The ORP Ślązak, commissioned in 2019, was originally conceived in 2001 as the Gawron-class multi-role corvette. However, its development faced numerous delays and funding challenges, leading to a 2012 decision to complete the vessel as a patrol ship with limited armament. The current initiative seeks to restore its intended combat functionality, equipping it to engage aerial, surface, and unmanned threats while supporting reconnaissance and drone operations.

While the modernization is ambitious, its implementation is not yet guaranteed. The scope and timeline depend on the outcomes of market consultations and cost assessments. If the project faces insurmountable challenges, the ORP Ślązak may undergo a routine dry-dock overhaul instead, as it approaches five years of service.

Technical data

With a standard displacement of 1,800 tonnes and a full-load displacement of 2,150 tonnes, it measures 95.2 meters in length, 13.5 meters in beam, and has a draught of 3.60 meters.

The ship's propulsion system combines one GE LM2500+ gas turbine with two MTU 12V595TE90 diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h) and a maximum range of 4,500 nautical miles. It can accommodate a complement of up to 97 personnel.

ORP Ślązak is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and processing systems, including the Thales SMART-S Mk 2 search radar, Thales STING-EO Mk 2 fire control radar, Thales MIRADOR Electro-Optics, the TACTICOS combat management system, an L3 ELAC Nautik Vanguard navigation and warning sonar, and a TACAN tactical air navigation system, complemented by an IFF system.

The vessel’s armament comprises a 76mm Oto Melara gun, two 30mm Oto Melara Marlin-WS guns, four 12.7mm WKM-B machine guns, and four Grom surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, ORP Ślązak features a flight deck to support aircraft operations.