Poland's defence minister said on Wednesday that it would push ahead with a programme to buy submarines this year.
Mariusz Blaszczak, speaking at a defence conference, said that a fully-fledged navy should include not only surface vessels, but also those that can operate secretly underwater. We are starting the implementation of the Orka programme, he said. Later this year, we plan to start a procedure aimed at the purchase of submarines and the transfer of the necessary technology that we want to obtain through an offset order. The Orka Program aims to modernize the Polish Navy's submarine fleet, which currently operates only one vessel, a Soviet-era craft with limited combat capabilities.
Under the programme Poland will buy two submarines, which could be capable of carrying cruise missiles. Three manufacturers are being considered to supply the vessels.
Blaszczak added that the defence ministry will soon announce more details on the submarines, their equipment and capabilities.
We want our submarines to be characterised by the ability to carry out extended missions, a high capacity in terms of carried combat assets and flexibility, he said. They also have to have advanced stealth abilities at high speeds, and the ability to stay submerged for a long time. The acquisition of submarines is a top priority for the defence ministry.