On December 1, the PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium handed over documents to the Polish Ministry of Defense's Ordnance Directorate to finalize the next stage of the project to build three Miecznik frigates for the Polish Navy. This is the latest industrial feasibility study and preliminary design.
Preliminary design of Miecznik frigate completed
The mentioned documents serve as the basis for confirming the final configuration of the Miecznik (Swordfish) frigate in the course of negotiations between PGZ-MIECZNIK and the Armament Agency. Approval of the tactical and technical objectives of these ships is a milestone in preparation for the start of production of the ships in mid-2023.
The PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium consists of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna Sp. z oo and Remontowa Shipbuilding SA Foreign partners in this program are: Babcock International – responsible for the technical design of the platform based on the Arrowhead 140PL (AH140PL), Thales UK – responsible for the supply of key elements of the integrated combat system, MBDA UK – As a supplier of air defense systems.
The Miecznik frigate is expected to have a total displacement of 7,000 tons, dimensions of 138.7 x 19.7 x 5.5 meters, and a crew of 100 to 120 people (maximum seating capacity is 160 men and women). Propulsion is provided by her four diesel engines. Top speed is approximately 28 knots and her range is 18 knots giving her over 6,000 NM. The period of autonomy is specified for her to be 30 days.
Unfortunately, the detailed configuration of the Miecznik frigate's combat system is classified information. However, partial knowledge about it is provided by the statements of representatives of the consortium and the Munitions Agency, as well as the subsequent visualization of the frigate.
Miecznik's latest visualization
Just before announcing the completion of the preliminary design, Babcock unveiled the latest visualization of the Miecznik frigate. This image shows two external changes to him from previous images. One is that the landing pad of the helicopter was lengthened at the expense of shortening the superstructure, the other is the deployment of anti-ship missiles.
The first change concerns the operational capabilities of the Leonardo AW101 heavy helicopter. Four such helicopters were purchased by the Polish Ministry of Defense for the Naval Aviation Brigade. These are land-based and used for rescue and anti-submarine warfare, but they can also operate in Miecnik.
The placement of anti-ship missile containers is also different. There are 16 pieces in total. Eight (2×4) are left unchanged. They fire vertically outward on both sides. Her other eight vessels (4×2) are positioned on the superstructure deck and angled towards the bow. This is similar to that of a typical Fast Attack Craft (FAC).
Miecznik's frigate will be equipped with the Thales TACTICOS (Tactical Information and Command System) battle management system, which integrates all sensors and effectors. Well known in the Polish Navy. First TACTICOS was integrated with his three FACs of the project 660M (Orkan class), then with the ORPŚlązak corvette of the MEKO A-100PL class. It will be the latest version with MOC Mk 4 multifunctional operator console.
In terms of missile armament, Miecznik will receive MBDA UK CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile) short-range air defense missiles, which are part of the Sea Ceptor system. The strike version is fired from a Lockheed Martin Mk41 VLS launcher. It has 32 cells (4×8) and is installed in the center of the ship between the funnels. Four he quad packs for CAMM missiles will be able to be inserted into each cell. Discussions are also scheduled regarding the acquisition of CAMM-ER (extended range) missiles. The same missile was also selected for the Naryu ground-based air defense system. There are currently no plans to purchase other air defense missiles for Miecznik.
Mock-up of a Mk41 launcher cell with a quadpack installed for four CAMM missiles. (Photo by Maximilian Dura)
The anti-ship missile chosen was the Saab RBS15 Mk3 missile, which is already used by Poland's Orkan FAC. The Miecznik frigate can carry up to 16 ships. We'll see if this actually happens in the future. For now, it appears to be an armed confrontation with no operational justification. For now, it has not been finalized whether Poland will purchase the latest Mk4 Gungir instead of the Mk3 version. What is certain is that Miecznik's frigate is ready in terms of equipment and her CMS to be able to use both versions.
The Miecznik frigate will be equipped with RBS15 missiles. As of now, it is unknown which version. Currently, the Polish Navy uses her Mk3 in her FAC Orkan class. The photo shows a two-pack equipped with missiles. (Photo by Tomasz Glotnik)
An important element of the combat system of Polish frigates is the anti-submarine warfare system. The Miecznik frigate will be equipped with Thales Blue Hunter active and passive hull-mounted sonar (formerly known as King Clip Mk2) and CAPTAS-2 low-frequency towed sonar (or possibly CAPTAS-4 Compact). For anti-submarine warfare, the Eurotope MU90 impact torpedo, already in service with the Polish Navy, is planned. Fired from two dual launchers.
Miecznik would receive the MU90 torpedo, which was already known to the Polish Navy. These are used by the frigate OH Perry (pictured loading the launcher) and her Mi-14PL helicopter. Soon it will also be used on the AW101 helicopter. (Photo by Tomasz Glotnik)
The main gun is a Leonardo OTO 76mm L/62 Super Rapid. In addition to that, Miecznik will receive her two OSU-35K systems (OkrętowySystem Uzbrojenia – 35mm naval armament system). The OSU-35K includes a 35 mm AM-35K gun and her ZGS-35K integrated tracking head. The cannon fires 550 rounds per minute. Effective firing range is up to 5km. Development of the SAP-35 programmable ammunition is underway. This new Polish system will be installed on her ORP Albatross, a brand new mine hunter of the Kormoran II type, and will be tested next year.
The super-rapid-fire gun is mounted on the foredeck of the Miecznik frigate. The Polish Navy acquired one of hers for the corvette ORP Syronzak (photo). (Photo by Tomasz Glotnik)
The frigate will also carry four RHIB boats or unmanned surface vessel USVs (two each of 11 meters and 7.5 meters in length). In addition, under the landing pad space will be provided for her four mission modules housed in TEU containers.
The primary radar system is the Thales Sea Master SM400 Block 2. He with electronic scanning capability uses four AESA fixed antennas and operates in S-band (NATO E/F band). The SM400 provides simultaneous airborne surveillance, helicopter control, ground surveillance, and weapons control capabilities. Unlimited (360 degree) coverage on 4 sides. In addition to this, a rotating AESA 4D two-axis multibeam radar Thales NS50 will be installed at the top of the mast below the dome. The NS50 provides air and surface detection, tracking, and classification performance, providing the high-precision hemisphere needed for short-range “fire-and-forget” surface-to-air missile system fire control and rapid acquisition by fire control systems. Provides 4D target information. For fire control of naval guns against surface targets.
At the moment, details of the equipment of the Miecznik frigate are unknown. This will probably change with the next stage of the program, namely the completion of negotiations between the Armament Agency and the PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium. In the process, the combat system may prove to be limited for economic reasons. It is also possible that a “fits-but-doesn't-fit'' method may apply to some systems. According to the current schedule, steel cutting for the first Miecznik will begin in August 2023, with launch in January 2026 and delivery to the Polish Navy in June 2028. The second frigate is scheduled to be delivered in September 2029, and the third in August 2030.
