Does Poland need logistics support?

Strengthening the capabilities of the Polish Navy remains one of the key priorities, but without providing an adequate logistical base even the most modern frigates will not be able to fully perform their tasks. Is it time for Poland to invest in its own logistics support vessel – such as the AOR class, modelled on Supply units?

In the article

Necessary piece of the puzzle – missing link in the structures of MW RP

The editorial of the shipbuilding portal from the beginning of its activity not only reports current events in the area of the Polish Navy, but also gives the floor to experts – including experienced MW officers of the Republic of Poland. Therefore, we are not limited to analysing current weapons programs, but we are also trying to indicate what capabilities will be crucial to the effective functioning of the Polish war fleet in the coming decades.

This is why we should look at the solutions adopted by other NATO countries. This year to serve in the Dutch Koninklijke Marine modern entry logistics support vessel – future HNLMS Den Helder. It is a unit designed to ensure the operational autonomy of frigates and other ships on remote waters – without the need to frequently call ports.

A similar route was also followed by Australia, which introduced a pair of multitasking supply ships of the type Supply. These units, based on the Spanish hull Cantabria, allow the transport of fuel, ammunition, water and spare parts, and thanks to RAS systems are adapted to secure supply of combat units on the high seas. Such solutions allow long-term operations away from their own bases, which can also be an inspiration for Poland.

Meanwhile Polish Navy The Polish Republic does not currently have any classic logistics support vessel. Development of the Polish water fleet — in particular, the construction of a frigate under the Swordfish Scheme — makes the need for such an individual increasingly burning. If the MW of the Republic of Poland is to participate in NATO activities in the North Atlantic or North Sea, it is necessary to have a specialised vessel capable of refuelling, transporting stocks and providing technical support to linear units. No such unit significantly reduces the independence and operational coverage of future frigate Swordfish.

What kind of support ships do Western countries have?

Polish Navy Poland does not currently have a unit with capabilities similar to modern ones logistics support vessels introduced by NATO states. In the structures of MW of Poland, he has been ancillary to the past ORP supply vessel Counter Admiral Xavery Czernicki, however, which was mainly used as a command ship with mine defense forces and does not meet the requirements of a classic tanker or transport ship. In addition, 3rd Fleet Ship tank units whose operational capabilities are far from those of modern fleets are used.

By comparison, the Netherlands already operates a large support vessel HNLMS Karel Doorman, and in 2025 introduce a new unit of this type: HNLMS Den Helder. Germany is developing a fleet of modern supply units, providing their frigates with full operational autonomy.

Australia went further, which implemented a pair of specialized AOR-class ships (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment) – type Supply. These are multi-tasking supply units capable of providing comprehensive support for maritime operations: transport of fuel, water, ammunition, spare parts and safe supply of units at sea in the RAS system (Replenishment At Sea). They provide floating operating facilities for the Royal Australian Navy expeditionary forces and can serve as a reference model for the needs of the Polish Navy.

Swords outside the Baltic – real need or ambition

Although built with a view to the safety of Polish marine areas, the frigates are designed as sea-going units, capable of operation also outside the Baltic basin. Their participation in NATO missions in the North Atlantic, North Sea whether in the Arctic region should be treated as a natural development of their operational potential. This will allow not only to increase Polish contribution to allied operations, but will also strengthen Poland's ability to respond to the common maritime security system.

However, in order for the Swordsmen to operate effectively outside their home ports, it is necessary to provide them with adequate logistical facilities – that is, a unit that will enable supplies, fuel supplements and technical support without having to return to the country. Otherwise, their scope will remain very limited.

Units such as Australian Supply ships show that logistical support can not only be a complement to combat capabilities, but a foundation for effective action on further waters – especially in the realities of modern NATO missions.

Should Poland acquire supply ships?

The construction of a logistics support vessel for the MW of the Republic of Poland should be another logical step in the process of modernization of the naval forces. Such a unit would not only increase the independence of the Polish fleet, but would, above all, allow effective and long-term operation of our ships outside the Baltic basin – including in the framework of joint allied operations. Without logistical support, new frigates and other water units will not be able to fully exploit their potential.

Continuing the modernisation of the Polish war fleet without providing it with adequate logistical facilities would be a half-way solution. If Polish Navy The Polish Republic is to act independently and effectively – not only in our region, but also within the framework of alliance missions – the construction of a logistics support vessel should be among the key priorities of the next phase of modernization.

Will our institutions responsible for planning and implementing modernisation programmes see this strategic challenge early enough – before new frigates go out into the sea without real operational facilities? Or maybe once again The support infrastructure will remain an understatement element of ambitious plans that look impressive on paper but in practice lose their power of destruction?

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz