A.D. 2020 Navy modernization – a lot of activities, little effects

A summary of 2020 in the context of Naval Modernisation (MW) brings mixed feelings. Although the Minister of National Defence can boast a record number of incarnate units for service, including five tugboats and two mine destroyers under construction, the actual increase in combat capabilities remains questionable. The implementation of the Marine Risk Prevention Programme is still not delivering the expected results and strategic decisions are controversial among experts.

Naval development or the illusion of modernization?

In 2020 Poland Polish Navy She's got five tow trucks. The cost of these units, amounting to PLN 283 million, raises questions about the legitimacy of such investment. Ministry of Defence in their communications it did not provide clear operational arguments justifying the need for such a number of tugs, in particular since these services could be provided by civil companies in the form of outsourcing.

In return, these funds could be used for the renovation and modernisation of Orkan missiles, which could extend their operation for another 15 to 20 years. These ships, equipped with modern sensor and fire systems, have far greater combat potential than tugboats, which resemble support units rather than a real tool to ensure national security.

Orka submarine program – dream of submarines

One of the key elements to contribute to the development of the MW was the Orka submarine program. Unfortunately, in 2020 this priority project was again stuck on the shallow. Although Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak mentioned in an interview with Defence24 about possible cooperation with Sweden on the purchase of A17 ships, it still lacks specifics. The Ork project, which was to deliver modern submarines to the Navy, does not show real progress, and the "bridge solutions" announced for years seem to shift away during the target solution.

Political decisions versus operational needs

Modernisation of MW, in particular in the context of investment in support units, such as tugboats, instead of modern battleships, raises reasonable criticism. The investment priorities seem to miss the actual operational needs. These investments, although impressive on paper, in practice do not increase the capacity of the MW to defend the country in a situation of armed conflict.

Lack of clear vision and strategies for the development of maritime forces, while ignoring key projects such as Orka submarine programputs the point of the action in question. The Ministry of National Defence boasts of introducing new units, but forgets that it is not the number of ships, but their combat potential is crucial in the battlefield.

Conclusions for the future for the Navy

In summing up 2020 in the context of the modernisation of the Navy, it can be concluded that despite major spending and numerous announcements, real effects remain limited. Poland's MW remains in the shadow of other maritime forces in the region, and its modernisation is far from complete. If radical decisions are not made, which will change the direction of modernization towards a real strengthening of combat capabilities, it may turn out in a few years that we will have support units, but we will lack battleships capable of defending our interests at sea.

W obliczu dynamicznie zmieniającej się sytuacji geopolitycznej, Polska nie może sobie pozwolić na pozostawanie w tyle w zakresie bezpieczeństwa morskiego. Czas na poważne decyzje w sprawie modernizacji Marynarki Wojennej, oparte na rzeczywistych potrzebach operacyjnych, a nie politycznych kalkulacjach.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz