Polish Naval Reconnaissance Ship ORP Jerzy Różycki Ceremonially Launched
The first in a series of radioelectronic reconnaissance vessels, ORP Jerzy Różycki, was ceremonially christened and launched at Remontowa Shipbuilding SA shipyard on July 1st. The event marks a significant milestone in Poland’s naval modernization program and strengthens Baltic Sea security cooperation.
High-Level Participation
The ceremony drew notable attendees including Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defense, Peter Sandwall, Secretary of State at the Swedish Ministry of Defense, and reserve General Dariusz Łukowski, Secretary of State and Head of the National Security Bureau. Representatives from regional authorities, numerous commanders from Polish and Swedish armed forces, the Polish Navy, and various industry stakeholders were also present.
“Eyes and Ears of Our Navy”
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in a letter read during the ceremony, emphasized the strategic importance of the new capabilities. “Today’s ceremony brings us closer to achieving new capabilities – to gather information about adversaries and potential threats from the sea. Without situational awareness, effective planning and action is simply impossible,” he stated.
The minister highlighted that ORP Jerzy Różycki, along with its sister ship ORP Henryk Zygalski, will be vessels of crucial importance not only for Poland but also for its allies. He stressed the Baltic Sea’s strategic significance for Poland and the Ministry of National Defense’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime position.
Polish-Swedish Partnership
Peter Sandwall, Swedish Secretary of State for Defense, emphasized the growing partnership between Poland and Sweden. “Poland and Sweden are partners, as evidenced by the strategic partnership agreement signed by both countries’ prime ministers in November last year,” he said. “This is a partnership that connects our history and common future, focusing on defense and security, and particularly on the maritime domain.”
The cooperation extends to NATO’s Command Task Force Baltic (CTF Baltic) for monitoring the Baltic Sea region and protecting underwater infrastructure, with both navies conducting joint exercises and collaborative operations.
Advanced Reconnaissance Capabilities
Dariusz Jaguszewski, President of Remontova Shipbuilding SA, explained the vessel’s strategic role. While not a combat ship, its importance cannot be overstated as it provides what is arguably the most powerful weapon on the battlefield: information about the enemy. “Precisely obtained information at the right time, subjected to accurate and rapid analysis, becomes excellent support for operational activities of ships such as frigates,” he noted.
The ship is named after Jerzy Różycki, a mathematician and cryptologist who, working alongside Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski during the interwar period, contributed to breaking the German Enigma cipher machine code, providing crucial intelligence to the Allies during World War II.
Technical Specifications and Equipment
The reconnaissance vessels will be equipped with maritime shipborne radioelectronic reconnaissance systems enabling data collection across the full spectrum of maritime radioelectronic reconnaissance (SIGINT). However, due to their sensitive nature, the Polish Ministry of Defense’s Armament Agency does not disclose specific equipment details to the public.
Remontova Shipbuilding SA will construct complete floating units equipped with all devices and systems, conducting all necessary tests including full Harbour Acceptance Tests (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT). Subsequently, Saab will install specialized intelligence systems at the shipyard in cooperation with Remontova Shipbuilding.
Project Background
The construction of two radioelectronic reconnaissance ships was commissioned by Swedish company Saab Kockums AB, which signed a contract with the Armament Agency in 2022 for the design, construction, delivery, and logistical support of these units under the “Delfin” (Dolphin) program for the Polish Navy.
These new vessels will replace the currently operated reconnaissance ships of Project 863: ORP Nawigator and ORP Hydrograf, built in 1975 and 1976 respectively at the Northern Shipyard named after the Heroes of Westerplatte in Gdansk, now known as Remontova Shipbuilding SA.
Strategic Importance
Vice Admiral Jarosław Ziemiański, Inspector of the Polish Navy, emphasized that the construction of radioelectronic reconnaissance units, following the series of modern mine destroyers also built at Remontova Shipbuilding, demonstrates national capabilities for such specialized naval projects.
The Project Delfin ships are designed for reconnaissance operations and gathering information about naval activities of other states, as well as monitoring critical infrastructure in Polish maritime areas. These vessels will provide essential information allowing early detection of threats to national security.
The launch ceremony coincided with celebrations of Shipbuilder’s Day, Navy Day, and Maritime Week as part of the Sea Days observances, highlighting the significance of Poland’s maritime defense capabilities in the current security environment.
The Polish Navy anticipates the delivery of additional new vessels that will enter service in the coming years, further strengthening Poland’s naval capabilities in the strategically vital Baltic Sea region.
