Author: Rafał Lipka & Sebastian Czub

Pulaski Policy Paper, 20 Lutego 2025

During the annual briefing with the command staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the Polish Navy, with the ORKA program taking priority. This initiative is crucial in the face of growing tensions with Russia and the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea. The program aims to acquire multipurpose submarines equipped with cruise missiles to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities and enhance the Armed Forces’ deterrence capabilities. Given Poland’s fundamental role in the defense of NATO’s eastern flank, the new submarines will help secure key trade and communication routes, as well as Poland’s strategic interests in the Baltic Sea.

The latest report from the Kazimierz Pułaski Foundation provides an overview of the available technical solutions applied to the latest multipurpose submarines, including air-independent propulsion, weapon systems (such as cruise missiles capable of striking land targets), modular construction, and the ability to conduct mine warfare and support special operations. The choice of the final design must consider not only the current defense needs of the country but also future modernization and the integration of new weapon systems, as the new type of submarine is likely to remain in service for the next 30-40 years.

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