Macierewicz Involved in Polish-French Talks. Polish Submarines Among the Topics Discussed

As it was announced by the French MoD, the conversation lasted more than 30 minutes and concerned the bilateral collaboration issues, as well as the Polish-French cooperation within the EU and NATO forums.

Moreover, issues related to the French involvement in the Polish Armed Forces modernization have also been brought up, with a particular emphasis placed on the process, the goal of which would be to procure the modern “Orka” submarines. Another matter discussed during the call concerned the cultural collaboration, e.g. in the area of commemorating the Polish-French brotherhood of arms. Minister Macierewicz also invited Parly to visit Poland.

Naval Group offers the Scorpene submarines within the framework of the Polish Orka [Orca] programme, the goal of which is to procure new generation submarines. The French proposal within that scope also covers delivery of the NCM cruise missiles that are to be integrated onboard the Scorpenes. The NCM missiles have already been integrated with the FREMM frigates, meanwhile, in two years, they are to be operational onboard the Barracuda nuclear submarines. The aforesaid combatant may be obviously integrated with other ordnance, the scope of potential and prospective integration remains dependent on the selection made by Poland.

Back in April this year, Janusz Przyklang, Director of the Naval Group’s branch in Poland, assured that the company has analysed all of the PGZ’s shipyards’ capabilities and also the capabilities remaining at hand of more than 100 cooperating parties. As Przyklang noted, most of the equipment that is to be fitted onboard the vessels could be manufactured in Poland. The components manufactured at the French shipyards are an exception here, we are referring to torpedo launchers or the pressure hull.

Meanwhile, in May this year the Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Defence, Bartosz Kownacki, who was dealing with the negotiation concerning the programme in Sweden and Germany, announced that Warsaw is only a few weeks from making the final choice of an offer. The Orka programme considerations also include the Saab’s (A26) and TKMS offers (212/214 submarines). Polish Ministry of Defence declares that the offer selection may be significantly determined by the scope of industrial collaboration, while the new vessels are required to remain capable of employing cruise missiles.