The Armed Forces Agency launched consultations for the Supply Programme

Is Modern Polish Navy can operate effectively without its own logistics facilities? Investing in frigate construction Miecznik programme and planning to acquire submarines, Poland must decide how to fill gaps in the supply chain. The resumed Supply program is a step towards solving this problem.

Programme Supply back on the table – a step towards decision

On 3 July, the Armed Forces Agency took the first formal step towards acquiring a new logistics support vessel – announcing the launch of initial market consultations. The new ship will be tasked with transporting and distributing propellant materials, water, lubricants, food, containers and other equipment – both to vessels and directly to shore. The unit is to be compatible with offshore supply systems (RAS) and meet the standards for the protection of classified information.

Does this mean that the construction will begin soon? Nope. For now, the Armed Forces Agency invites you to a technical dialogue. That's more than just a plan on paper. Questions that were still of a general nature recently – whether Poland needs such a ship at all – today they are transforming into specific issues: how and whether to design them – can a ready-made project, who will build the unit and what entities will be involved in cooperation?

Poland's logistics gap – what drives this need?

Polish Navy RP has been operating two used support units for years – ORP Baltic (Z–1), on the line since March 11, 1991, and Z-8 (in service since 1970). Although both units formally remain active, real logistics capabilities are limited to ORP only Baltic, which is referred to as "fleet tanker" by MON alone. Z-8 has been mainly carrying out port tasks for several years, even though it has recently undergone renovation at Nauta Shiprepair Yard.

However, both individuals do not meet NATO's modern standards in terms of RAS-L, the integration of CBM systems or the ability to operate on further waters. The logistics gap is increasingly limiting the operational capabilities of the Polish Navy – especially in the context of the Sword and Ork programmes and growing commitments to NATO. Supply is supposed to fill this gap and create real facilities for next generation units.

The signal of the change of approach in logistics is the launch of the Supply program, officially confirming that the construction of a new logistics vessel has been included in the list of priorities of modernization of the naval forces. This is a response to specific operational needs, arising not only from the implementation of the frigate Sword, but also from the planned introduction of submarines into service under the Orka programme and the growing involvement of Poland in NATO's allied activities.

The lack of modern logistics facilities limits the ability of MW RP to operate independently on further waters – such as the North Atlantic or the North Sea. Swordfish frigates will not be able to carry out long-term activities without regular supply of fuel, water, food and spare parts. In a crisis situation, relying solely on allied support means not only operational risk, but also additional costs – because logistical assistance from allied warships is not guaranteed and will certainly not be free.

The decision to return to the idea of a "floating warehouse" is therefore more than just a matter of ambition, it is a necessity resulting from the realities of the modern battlefield at sea.

It's time to decide.

Until recently, the topic of the logistics support vessel appeared only in industry analyses. Today it becomes a real program with schedule, requirements and consultations. Now it's time to move from AU, MON and industry.

Before the keel is laid, it is necessary to complete technical dialogue by the Armed Forces Agency. Together with the MON, the requirements and the chosen procedure will be clarified. Two scenarios are real:

1. Public tender – then candidates can create consortia (Polish shipyard + foreign partner), although this is not mandatory.
2. Procedure on the basis of rules on the fundamental interest of State security (PIBP) – requiring direct selection of the contractor. MON will designate a national plant (most likely PGZ War Shipyard or Shipbuilding Repair), which will then select a foreign designer.

Next will be technology transfer, documentation development, hull construction in Poland and integration of systems on site – this is a real path to rebuilding Polish logistics capacity at sea.

It's just the beginning. We have an intensive writing time ahead of us about modernization of the Polish Navy. And very good – because this topic deserves attention. It's gonna happen.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz