Squadron on Oxyvia ready to receive new submarines [VIEW]

Submarine ships have been at the heart of the state security debate for months. But do we really hear the voice of those who understand why the Navy is so needed today? Two weeks ago, the editorial office of the Shipyard Portal visited the submarine division in Oxyvia.

In the article

In a conversation with Commander Łukasz Szmigle, we discussed not only the subject of the new simulator used in the training of the ZOP forces, but also the real condition of the squadron, personnel challenges, prospects of modernization and the strategic importance of the underwater component for the Polish Armed Forces.

The need to acquire new submarines is increasingly being talked about. But you rarely listen to those who really know what it means. It is their voice – people who have been responsible for maintaining operational readiness for years – that should be the starting point for decisions that are at the last straight.

AUV Simulator – new equipment in submarine squadron

In recent months, a new piece of equipment has been added to the submarine Squadron – the submarine's AUV simulator. It is a device that simulates the presence of OPs in the marine environment and thus allows to conduct full-value exercises with ZOP forces – water, underwater and aerial.

Squadron on Oxyvia ready to receive new submarines / Shipyard Portal — Photo: Shipyard Portal

Equipment, although small in size, has significant training potential. It can not only reproduce classic sound signatures, but also generate acoustic and magnetic characteristics of any submarine – exactly what the unit produces under real conditions. This enables complex training scenarios to be created and crew response tested in a realistic marine environment. The device allows not only to simulate the presence of OPs on the aquenium, but also to simulate the torpedo attack by producing sound signatures characteristic of the torpedo.

The simulator is stored on a daily basis in the Port Command warehouses. It is served by sailors from the submarine squadron and soldiers serving in the Port Command. Its use also involves flotilla ships which have the ability to launch and transport equipment in the area of future exercises.

He went to the unit at the end of last year and is currently in the implementation phase. It has not yet been fully adopted or adapted for use in the structures of the Polish Navy. In the Submarine Division, the activities related to technical and operational research conducted in accordance with the methodology of introducing new military equipment to the Armed Forces of Poland have already been completed. A final protocol has been developed which is currently undergoing final documentary verification. We look forward to the meeting of the committee responsible for the formal acceptance of the document and possible comments and amendments. Everything indicates that already during the autumn exercises of the Polish Navy, the new AUV simulator will be used in full range.

The equipment has already been tested under sea conditions – exercises with the participation of submarines and ZOP aviation were conducted as part of the research. The sound fields generated by the device and its detection were checked. Documentary work is currently underway – instructions for use have been developed and the final minutes await approval by the committee. Full implementation of the simulator for operational use should take place before the end of the holiday.

An important feature of the new simulator is its use in submarine crew training. Thanks to the possibility of giving the AUV any sound signature, it is possible to simulate the presence of an "enemy" unit and conduct training in the field of submarine exploration – without the need to participate in an actual allied ship.

As the commander of the submarine squadron points out, this solution should not be considered as a substitute resulting from the lack of viable units. – It's not something in return. This is an additional tool that saves time and resources while increasing the quality of training – noted Commander Łukasz Szmigiel.

Squadron's personnel challenges. No ships, but no lack of commitment

Despite the lack of a decision to acquire new submarines, The submarine squadron consistently maintains operational readiness and conducts training activities aimed at the future implementation of new-type platforms. However, the staff situation of the formation is demanding.

In recent years, a significant number of experienced officers and officers have left the squadron naturally – most often after receiving pension rights or opting for professional development in other structures. Some of them continued special forces with similar health criteria. The lack of modern ships and limited operational prospects in the country made many soldiers – seeking further development and stability – choose formations that are currently active and offer more attractive financial conditions.

However, the unit conducts continuous recruitment, including preparations for future crews of new type ships and possible bridge units (gap filler). As kmdr Szmigiel emphasizes – "ORP Eagle remains in service, and it is on board that the best sailors from the preparatory teams are rotated. This guarantees them real experience under operational conditions."

Generational tear and no system support

The squadron is currently creating two training structures to form the foundation for future crews of new submarines acquired under the Orka programme. However, the problem is the generation gap resulting from the long-term lack of decisions to purchase submarines. As the commander notes – We don't have a system that's been built that's constantly providing a supply of trained personnel. Because of the lack of continuity of decisions, today we are in a situation of rebuilding from the ground up what should function continuously.

In parallel, preparations are underway to launch the training course using a submarine simulator on the equipment of the Naval Academy. As representatives of the squadron emphasize, this will be an important complement to the training system – allowing training of future submarine crews also in stationary conditions.

In the current realities The squadron not only trains its own personnel, but also supports the Naval Academy – sharing knowledge and experience gained on submarines. –Our goal is to ensure that the training of future crews of the new type of OP takes place in the best possible conditions – even if today we have to do so without vessels – emphasises Commander Łukasz Szmigiel.

Swords, Ork, and strategic decisions. Or at the expense of something?

The public debate has for years raised the question whether the implementation of the programme Miecznik programme, i.e. the construction of three multitasking frigates, does not take place at the expense of the programme Eagle – purchase of new submarines. Mr Szmigiel, however, points out that Polish Navy The Republic of Poland has consistently and for years held that it needs both frigates and submarines to function properly as a formation. – A sword is necessary. So does the Ork. These are not programs that should be considered in opposition to each other," emphasises the commander of the submarine division.

Meanwhile, for many years in the media space, it was attempted to impose a narrative that Poland could carry out maritime tasks only from the air or land, giving up the underwater component. According to Szmigl, this was a biased and damaging approach, which led to delays in strategic decisions and the impression that submarines were no longer needed.

Time is not an ally. Shipyard, time limits, costs

The commander shall also indicate the risks associated with delaying the decision to initiate Orka program. The increasing rate of procurement in foreign shipyards may result in significant delays in time even if decisions are taken in the coming months. – Time doesn't work in our favor. Prices are rising not in line, production capacity is shrinking and the declared delivery dates are becoming more distant – explains Szmigiel.

Moreover, delays generate not only financial costs but also strategic costs. A country that could acquire full underwater capabilities for a certain amount ten years ago, today – for the same resources – can count on only part of the envisaged solutions.

We don't ask if they're necessary. Submarine is a safety guarantee

Kmdr Szmigiel also pointed to the growing role of submarines in state defence policy. It points out that countries with a tradition of their exploitation do not question the need to maintain them, but modernise and increase their fleets. On the other hand, countries which have not yet had them are increasingly seeking to obtain them.

An example is the experience of an officer of the submarine Squadron who participated in the BALTOPS exercises aboard a Swedish submarine powered by the Stirling engine. Such units, equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), are able to remain submerged for two weeks, maintaining operational secrecy and significantly hindering the opponent's detection of their positions. On water as complex as the Baltic – saturated with wrecks, characterized by difficult hydrology and intense motion – this gives a huge advantage.

– We don't ask ourselves if we need submarines. We know that they are absolutely necessary – not only for the Navy, but for the security of the state as a whole – summarizes kmdr Szmigiel.

**ORP Eagle – keep the ship, despite difficulties**

Currently the only submarine in service – ORP Eagle – undergoes work on modernisation and ongoing maintenance of operational capacity. According to kmdr Szmigiel, these actions include, among others, the modification of the compressed air system, which involves replacing the operated compressors. The equipment so far came from the Russian Federation, making its continued service impossible. It will be replaced by new kits supplied by a company from Turkey. The contract was concluded and the tender was won by Nauta Shipyard, which carries out work in cooperation with the PGZ War Shipyard.

Transparency versus operational security

The commander of the Division points out that in Poland – unlike many NATO countries – there are no mechanisms governing the scope of transparency in informing about the state of military equipment. Public tenders or uncontrolled leaks of logistics and renovation information make it seem that neutral data can be used against the State interest. – The West just doesn't talk about it. There is a rule – the quieter, the better. In our case, many things, even trivial, are blown out, which unnecessarily weakens the image of the Navy.

Ongoing foreign training despite restrictions

Despite the difficulties associated with limited training opportunities in the country, The squadron doesn't give up raising their staff. Training programmes are currently being implemented in cooperation with partners from South Korea, Germany and Italy. Two officers have recently completed courses on the submarine profile, and more are in training.

Additionally, representatives of the squadron participate in NATO's working structures, in groups of submarine users. This keeps the individual up to date with procedures, hardware innovations and doctrinal changes that are implemented by allies. – Our aim is to maintain competence and capabilities even when there is no modern platform. When the decision to obtain it comes, we will be ready. – assures the commander.

No need to ask questions – Poland's safety depends on submarines

We do not ask ourselves whether Poland needs submarines. We know that they are necessary. This is no longer a time to consider. The security of the Republic of Poland is inseparably linked to the presence of submarines in the structure of the Navy. They just have to be.
kmdr Łukasz Szmigiel

He adds that the moment has come where strategic decisions can no longer be postponed. – It's about time. It's decision time. If not now, then it may be too late.

It points to the conclusions of the ongoing war in Ukraine: – Ukraine has made measurable losses in the Black Sea, using sea drones. Not because drones are more effective – but because they had nothing else. Imagine what would happen if they had classic ships, including submarines.

Today no one in the public debate asks the question whether submarines are needed in Poland. The only question is: when will the decisions that will allow this obviousness to turn into reality?

Thank you for talking to me.
Mariusz Dasiewicz