Annex 4 to the MEASUREMENT Programme Agreement

In today's text, we will focus on the key project for the Polish Navy – a programme for the design and construction of multitasking frigateS MEAT, paying particular attention to the recently signed, fourth annex to the contract, dated on Tuesday, December 12th this year. This important document sheds new light on the implementation of the project, presenting details of the weapons on the next two frigates and the total cost of obtaining three frigateS OF MEASUREMENT.

In the article

No more speculation: the final price of the MEASURANT programme

Breaking off the wave of speculation, the Armed Forces Agency announced the current value of the contract for the frigate MEAT. The value of the contract after signing all existing annexes amounts to approximately PLN 14.8 billion gross (which represents more than 92% of the total cost of the program) – it can be concluded that after the full retrofit of ships No. 2 and 3, the final price may not exceed approximately 16 billion gross. This information ends a period of uncertainty and rumors about the financial scope of the project, ensuring transparency and certainty for both parties involved and the public.

Advanced ship equipment

According to the latest findings, MEASURERS will be equipped with modern weapons and sensors. VLS Mk-41 missile launchers, SeaCeptor missile system with CAMM missiles, advanced radars and radioelectronic combat systems are only some of the elements that will increase the combat capabilities of these units. Each ship will also be equipped with a 76 mm Leonardo OTO cannon Melara Super Rapid Strales, which will further raise their firepower.

International and Technological Cooperation

Program MIecznik He draws from international cooperation, especially with UK partners. The consortium of PGZ-MIEKNIK, in cooperation with the Babcock International Group and Thales UK, will provide the Combat Management System (CMS) TACTICOS, which is crucial for the operational efficiency of the frigate. This cooperation underlines the importance of international alliances in the modernisation of Polish armed forces.

Schedule of deliveries and expectations

Contractual obligations provide for all three units to be delivered by 2031, which is an ambitious but realistic objective. The frigate MEASURANT will form the backbone of the Polish Navy in the field of maritime activities, offering Poland significant capabilities in the air and water domain.

Uniformity of equipment for all ships MEASUREMENT

Artillery systems: Each frigate, including the second and third units, will be equipped with 76 mm Leonardo OTO Super Rapid Strales medium caliber cannon and two 35 mm OSU-35K cannon. This will provide them with equivalent defense and attack capabilities.

Rocket systems: All three ships will be equipped with VLS Mk-41 rocket launchers and CAMM family rockets, which will enable them to effectively defend anti-aircraft and anti-missile.

Radars and Recognition Systems: The same advanced radar systems, including SM400 series radars with wall antennas and NS50 series radars, will be installed on each of the frigates to ensure uniform detection and tracking capabilities for targets.

Radioelectronic Struggle and Defence: Radio-electronic combat measures will be installed on all ships, which will increase their defence capabilities in a modern battlefield.

Towed Sonars and Torpedo Systems: The first of the frigate, the future ORP WICHER, will be equipped with towed sonars, key to anti-submarine activities, and two double torpedo launchers, allowing effective action against submarine and submarine targets. At this stage, there is not yet confirmed information on how to equip the second and third frigates with similar systems, which remains the subject of further analyses and decisions.

Integrated Mission Systems: Integrated mission systems, including combat management, sensors and effectors, will be standard on all three units.

Basic parameters of units:

Overall length – approx. 138 m,
Maximum width – approx. 20 m,
Height – approx. 10 m (1 deck),
Max. displacement (including additional equipment and plating) – approx. 7 thousand t.,
Range – approx. 8,000 nautical miles,
Max speed – 28 knots,
Drive – 4 diesel piston engines in the CODAD system, 2 adjustable screws,
Crew – 120 people + approx. 60 additional staff.

It is worth noting that this detailed information on the weapons and financing of the MEASHER programme was confirmed today by our editorial team with the Armed Forces Agency and the Polish Armed Forces Group. This is an important element ensuring transparency and reliability of information about this key program for the Polish Navy.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz/Army Agency