For some time now, the media have been abuzz with discussions about the Polish Navy’s plans to purchase submarines. Unfortunately, the situation is far from ideal…

Our Submarine Division currently consists of exactly ONE unit: the ORP Orzeł III, built in 1986. This vessel belongs to the Soviet Kilo class and has just undergone a decade-long refurbishment. Allegedly, it can even submerge! Well, that’s quite the achievement for a submarine… 😉

Dear readers, I must confess that this article was meant to be published last year, but as I received some new information, I decided to verify it. Unfortunately, those who provided me with these details asked me not to disclose their names, as it could harm them. Therefore, I will rely on publicly available information.

From what has been made public, there are currently four countries in the race to build submarines for the Polish Navy: Sweden, Germany, France, and South Korea. Judging by the parameters of the various units, especially their stealth capabilities (i.e., their „invisibility” to enemy sensors), armaments, and autonomy, I would lean toward two manufacturers: Swedish SAAB and South Korean Hanwha Ocean (part of the Hanwha Defense group). The latter, in particular, has caught my attention.

Quoting the manufacturer:

„KSS-III submarines are approximately 90 meters long and have a displacement of 3,600 tons. Their main advantages include an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and lithium-ion batteries, allowing the submarine to remain submerged for more than 20 days. Additionally, the hull design minimizes noise emissions, thereby reducing the likelihood of detection.”

South Korean submarines are armed not only with torpedoes but also with vertical launch systems capable of firing both cruise and ballistic missiles. According to Hanwha representatives, such armament would allow Poland to establish a deterrence system based on the ability to launch attacks from a hidden, submerged position.

If I were in the shoes of our decision-makers, I would also consider the new Japanese Hakugei-class submarines, successors to the Soryu class. However, given our extensive cooperation with South Korea in the defense sector, Hanwha Ocean seems like the best option for Poland.

Now, Let’s Get to the Meat of It

As a lesser-known YouTuber, Drwal Rębajło, often says: more and more voices question the necessity of submarines, arguing that the Baltic Sea is small, and such units are expensive. These arguments are spread by people who clearly lack basic knowledge of maritime strategy and tactics.

While it’s true that the Baltic Sea is relatively shallow, it is also a body of water with low visibility and unique acoustic characteristics. Moreover, submarines aren’t just for engaging enemy vessels near our ports. Primarily, they serve as reconnaissance platforms that, due to their stealth capabilities, can approach enemy shores to gather intelligence or deploy special forces.

Let’s not forget NATO cooperation in other seas, not just the Baltic. Korean submarines are fully capable oceanic units, capable of diving to depths of around 400 meters (or possibly deeper, though classified). At the same time, thanks to their acoustic profile, they can freely operate in shallow and coastal waters.

Conclusion

Pressure must be put on decision-makers (especially the Polish Navy Command). It’s crucial that the choice of manufacturer is dictated not by political affiliations of our leaders (please, Mr. Tusk, don’t buy junk from Germany!!!) but primarily by the specifications of the units, service availability, compatibility of armaments and avionics with NATO standards, and the possibility of cooperation between our defense industry and the contractor.

What’s next for Project Orka? Time will tell. For now, we can only wait and hope we don’t end up unprepared, as in 1939.

Wishing you all luck and normalcy in the New Year, dear readers, Yours truly.