Submarine ships and drones in the strategy of MW RP

We return to the most important themes from the recent Defence Portal and Super Express conference dedicated to the Polish Navy and the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic – those we have not described on our portal. One of the key points of the event was the panel "Operational needs of the modern Navy", a conversation showing that the future of the naval forces is not just about technology.

Moderated by Tomasz Smura from the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation, the panel brought together key actors responsible for the shape of the Polish Army and the Navy of Poland: Lieutenant General Marek Sokołowski, General Commander of the Armed Forces Types, Deputy Admiral Jarosław Ziędinski – Naval Inspector, Commander Tomasz Witkiewicz of COM-DKM and Arild Skage of the Kongsberg company.

Polish Navy RP – readiness and tasks

When asked about the current level of readiness in the Polish Navy Gun Gen. Marek Sokołowski replied that although for years the maritime domain has indeed been marginalized in relation to land troops and air force, today the situation is gradually changing.

– For many years it was said that Polish Navy This is the most neglected kind of armed force. When the ground troops received the Rosomaki, and the Air Force introduced the F-16, our fleet continued to rely largely on units originating from the 1980s – the general recalled.

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According to the commander-in-chief of the RFA, the process of rebuilding sea capacity continues, although it requires determination and consequences. As he pointed out, Poland strives to become a real force in the Baltic – not only in the military sense, but also as a state capable of ensuring the security of its zone of responsibility in the maritime domain.

We build the capabilities of the Navy gradually, but if we complete the current projects to the end, we will become a significant player in the region. Two elements are crucial: recognition and paralysis. It is these capabilities that must be developed consistently," he stressed.

The general also noted that the Baltic is not just a military space. It is also an area of civil liability of the state, including the protection of energy, shipping and communication infrastructure. Of course we were neglected for years – perhaps even more forgotten. But today we are building new capabilities, and the experience of the war in Ukraine has helped not only military but also political decision-makers to understand how important a strong fleet is," said Gen. Sokołowski.

Contribution of the Polish Navy to combined activities

In the further part of the discussion, Tomasz Smura pointed out often repeated, although not always correct opinions suggesting that Poland's geographical position does not predispose it to developing a strong Navy. He asked the general how the Polish naval forces were countering the actions of other types of armed forces under the combined system.

Gen. Guns Marek Sokołowski had no doubt about the importance of the Navy in the wider state security system.

Polish Navy is of crucial importance to Poland, especially in the context of infrastructure protection, which the Minister mentioned earlier – we are talking about gas, Baltic Pipe, fibre networks and the entire energy security system located in the Baltic – he pointed out.

He stressed that although the Polish naval forces do not have a full range of capabilities today, it is important within the North Atlantic Alliance to be able to fill gaps and specialize in specific areas.

Not every NATO country has everything. The idea is to be able to fill certain gaps – the so-called capability gaps – and to provide specific capabilities that the common defence system needs. In this respect, ours Polish Navy He has already made an important contribution today, which will only grow," concluded the General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces.

The Navy today and tomorrow: directions for development

The next question by Tomasz Smura was addressed to Vice Admiral Jarosław Zierowski, Inspector of the Navy of Poland. It concerned both the current level of readiness of maritime forces and development plans for the coming years.

Do you Polish Navy is today ready to carry out the tasks that arise from the strategic documents of the state? – the host asked. "We are currently talking primarily about the Sword and Ork programs, but what are the next priorities? Where do you see the need to further strengthen operational capacity?

Vice Admiral Jarosław Zieniański recalled that for years the maritime domain has been systematically neglected at the expense of land, which has imprinted its mark on the condition of the naval forces.

Our goal remains to restore the capacity to respond to current threats and those we can predict in the short, medium and long term. We are consistently building a navy capable of countering scenarios such as closing access to ports. An example known for the actions against Ukraine is one of the darkest prospects we are trying to prevent," he stressed.

He pointed out that the foundation of modern naval forces must be sustainable development in all domains – both inland and underwater, but also coastal, which is still overlooked in discussions about naval potential.

An important pillar remains the replenishment of the fleet with unmanned systems, which clearly confirmed the war in Ukraine. Drones increase the speed of diagnosis, shorten the decision chain and allow immediate response at tactical level. Therefore, we are developing the ability of ships to interact with unmanned people, emphasising the integration of sensors, communications and effectors – without replacing ship forces with their substitutes – he explained.

He also pointed out the need to ensure continuity and predictability of funding for modernisation programmes.

The interruptions in funding threaten not only with delays but also with a drastic increase in the cost of building new units," noted the Vice Admiral.

Referring to the question of Thomas Smura about the impact of the ability to kill land targets from the sea – used, among others, by the Russian fleet – on the development of operational doctrine in the Polish Navy, replied unequivocally:

Definitely. In the defensive variant Polish Navy operates in close cooperation with other types of Armed Forces, using water and underwater forces, naval aviation and coastal component. The aim is to block the possibility of impacting from the sea direction from coastal zones. The experience of Ukraine, subject to the fire of the calibre maneuvering missiles fired from naval media, clearly shows how serious this threat is.

This is why modernization emphasizes the layered defense "deep into the water": prior detection, interference and neutralization of carriers and means of assault still on the long-distance operating approach. The drones won't win the war, but without them, the war won't win," he concluded.

Submarine ships as first line of defense

In the further part of the panel, Tomasz Smura asked Commander Tomasz Witkiewicz about priorities for Poland in the field of the acquisition of new submarines:

Due to your experience, what characteristics of submarines should Poland be the priority today? What capabilities should the Orka units have? – he asked.

Commander Witkiewicz pointed out that it was not for him to indicate specific technical features, but the key remains the combat capabilities and the adaptation of units to the Baltic operational realities:

Under the conditions of the de facto "cold war", which many today view, ships must be ready to operate where they can be used. The Eastern Baltic – despite its difficulties – favours submarine operations. It is this water that sets the direction of the requirements: A to Z.

As he stressed, the Baltic is not only a specific area, but even the most demanding for submarines throughout NATO. Focusing All threats – from water and submarines, through mine systems, shore systems, aviation, to the proximity of Russian bases – pose challenges of the highest class to future ships.

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It's an environment dominated by the enemy. Under such conditions, the ship must not only be adapted to function, but also be the most effective. Only then will it become a useful tool not only in time of peace, but also in crisis and war," Witkiewicz emphasized.

The commander also recalled that submarines should be seen as the first state defence line – not just the Navy. During peace, they perform reconnaissance functions, and during war, they should be able to harm targets both at sea and inland.

The Navy has ceased to be a formation solely defending the coast. At present, in the age of manoeuvring missiles over 2,000 kilometres, like Russian Kalibry, its role expanded to defend the whole territory – from Gdynia to Kędzierzyn-Koźle – he noted.

In the further part of the discussion, the speaker raised the question of the capacity gap created by the lack of successors for the exploited Eagle ORP. In this perspective, Witkiewicz stressed that it was necessary to acquire units prepared to operate in the Baltic – because only a ship effective in this water will also be useful in allied activities outside the region.

This context was supplemented by Arild Skage from KONGSBERG, pointing to operational similarities between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. He stressed that in limited operating space, with strong saturation by means of fire, the only effective form of hiding and conducting the impact remains underwater.

In the second part of the panel, the discussion also focused on developing unmanned technologies. Vice-Admiral Jarosław Zieniański recalled the growing importance of drones in maritime activities, pointing to their impact on shortening the decision-making cycle and improving the effectiveness of reconnaissance.

Arild Skage: The Baltic Sea and the Black Sea connect more than it seems

Arild Skage from KONGSBERG also spoke in the panel, which referred to Polish-Norwegian cooperation and the role of the underwater environment in modern conflicts.

Cooperation between Norway and Poland in the field of maritime defence began with a program of submarines – many years ago. Poland was one of the first countries to join this project. This is an example of the successful integration of national armed forces, industry and research institutions. At the moment, most NATO countries are participating in the programme," said Skage.

He also pointed out the similarities between the operating environments of the Baltic and Black Seas – especially in the context of limited maneuvering space and strong opponent presence.

In such a space, the only real place to hide remains the underwater environment. The fact that Poland is taking decisive steps to return to the underwater domain is impressive – he said.

Arild Skage also pointed to the potential of developing unmanned technologies and continuing cooperation between Norway and Poland in this area.

We see similar challenges both on the Baltic Sea and along the Norwegian coast. Therefore, the development of common solutions based on cooperation between industry, users and scientific institutions makes great sense and brings added value.

Skoke also referred to the ongoing war in Ukraine, stressing the importance of rapid innovation and the simultaneous need to maintain the standardisation of systems.

Ukraine has received huge amounts of equipment, but the lack of standardisation remains a challenge. Poland seems to draw conclusions from this and make decisions that are to lead to a coherent development of the navy," he said.

Finally, he referred to possible cooperation under EU programmes, although Norway is not a member of the EU.

Norway, despite being outside the European Union, actively participates in a number of programmes such as SAFE, including the Baltic countries. We are open to cooperation with the Polish arms industry in this area, also on bilateral ground – he assured.

Conventional deterrence: a question of coherence of the strategy

In the next part of the panel, Tomasz Smura expanded the conversation to include a dimension of deterrence. He recalled that the sea damage capabilities are now reaching more than 2,000 km, which goes beyond the tactical level and enters the strategic area. He asked the General of Weapons Marek Sokołowski if Poland has a thoughtful, comprehensive strategy for using systems of this range – both those deployed on submarines and aircraft or land resources (remembering JASSM missiles for F-16 and HIMARS missile systems).

Do we know what we want to use these systems for and whether their acquisition fits into a broader action plan, national and allied? – asked the moderator.

Gen. Sokołowski replied that decisions to acquire arms are always made in the context of a thoughtful strategy.

If we buy something, we do it with a clear plan and strategy, not because something is "cool" on the market. Our purchases fit both national needs and NATO's ally plans. What we are doing is based on the threat analysis, the requirements of the defense system and the expectations of the alliance. This is not spontaneous or improvised, he assured.

The commander-general stressed that the programmes taken into account both operational and tactical levels and cooperation between types of armed forces; some decisions are also dictated by NATO commitments and needs.

Vice Admiral Jarosław Ziemański on the future navy and unmanned technologies

In the further part of the discussion, Tomasz Smura raised the theme of developing unmanned systems, asking Vice-Admiral Jarosław Zieminski how new technologies will affect the shape of the Polish Navy in the next decades. He also asked how to plan the development of naval forces to avoid recurring situations in the past, in which modernisation decisions were made only after the viability of existing units was exhausted.

Continuing with the earlier thought: we are trying to build a balanced war jacket that responds to the dangers we are able to anticipate, especially in the medium term. We also observe the development of operations outside our region – narrow transitions of strategic importance, such as the Suez Strait or the Red Sea region, have become areas where the leading naval forces direct their forces. New solutions are also tested, including different drone classes.

A discussion in the media about expensive missiles and relatively cheap drones is an important question: can cheap systems replace classic means?

Not every navy goes towards the complete "arming" of ships into drones, and I am not a proponent of reducing the ship to the role of "platform" – the ship remains a carrier and centre of action. At the same time, drones give us a tactical advantage: rapid response and improvement of situational awareness, which is crucial in the absence of full external data.

We must therefore build situation awareness in three domains: at sea, in air and in tone. On this basis, we shape a jacket capable of responding to real threats and equip it with the latest technologies. Next to drones there are microwave and laser systems already tested at sea; at the same time we must equip ships with sensors and systems to detect – and effectively fight – even the smallest unmanned ones. It's a real threat to face.

In addition, we must take account of the security of ports and critical infrastructure. Seaports are our "gates to the world": if we do not secure them, we will not secure supply chains either. We have a number of important facilities – gas terminals, Naftoport, wind farms and planned floating installations – which will require protection and monitoring. This is not just the task of the Polish Navy; it is a matter of national interest, therefore equipment and doctrine must reflect this.

In practice, this means implementing the latest technologies while preserving the role of crew and ship as a central element in the conduct of operations. Automation and unmanned vehicles complement but do not replace humans.

New ships are not everything – the Navy needs men and backdrops

Tomasz Smura pointed out the frequent allegations against decision-makers regarding the acquisition of equipment without taking into account the wider context. He recalled the problems known from aviation shopping: large orders of arms without certainty whether we have enough pilots, whether the staff of the aeronautical academy can handle the training of further yearbooks, and whether there is adequate infrastructure and technical facilities. He pointed out that in the case of submarines, this issue has its specific requirements – from propulsion systems, through the need to create specialised docks and service stations, to logistics facilities necessary for various types of units.

Commander Tomasz Witkiewicz confirmed that such issues are taken into account already during the negotiation and purchase programming phase. He explained that the process of acquiring a new ship includes parallel discussions on technological support, technology transfer, material security and training elements. Not only industrial institutions, but also administrative and training units – inspectorate, general command and training centres – which "add their bricks" to the whole project are involved. This means that the construction of the unit is not a separate event, but a process coordinated with elements of maintenance, service and crew training.

Witkiewicz emphasized that modern ships will have smaller crews than before, as automation allows to reduce the number of personnel. However, this does not compromise the human role: it is the crew and commander who give the ship the status of a combat unit. Drones and other unmanned systems are seen as a complement rather than a substitute for people on board. ‘The drones won't win the war., but without drones we won't win the war either" – this is, he pointed out, a position shared by command.

A significant part of Witkiewicz's statement was devoted to the staff. He pointed out that the acquisition of ships required a parallel training program for engineers, technicians and sailors. Recruitment and maintenance of specialised staff is a long-term task; the young generation thinks differently about careers, more often plans shorter periods of service, so it is necessary to create professional, social and development conditions that will keep professionals in service longer. Schools and training centres are even more important in this context than logistics, because without people, even the best infrastructure is not enough.

The commander also stressed the need to build a "spirit" of service and attractive career prospects: the fascinations with technology alone are not enough, it is necessary to show young people that working in the navy is a stable and rewarding career. This process requires financial, time and a coordinated personnel and social policy.

On the margin, Witkiewicz cited an anecdote of the difficulty of maritime service: colleagues from the ground troops said it was safer in the tank, because it is possible to get out of it – in the case of ships it is impossible, hence the service at sea has its specific requirements and risks.

Finally, he commented on the broader staffing problem of all types of armed forces – the planning of forces and complementing them with staff is a subject requiring separate, longer-term discussion. The process of acquiring new weapons without simultaneously investing in people and the training system condemns the programme to delays in achieving full operational readiness.

Naval development and economic benefits – how to find a balance?

In the next part of the discussion, Mr Smura pointed out that the development of the Navy should be considered not only in the operational but also in the economic dimension. Investments in new ships are financed by taxes and should therefore also translate into benefits for the domestic industry, jobs and technology transfer. The leader asked Vice Admiral Jarosław Earthński how to find a balance between the needs of the navy and the economic interests of the state and whether economic criteria should play a greater role in selecting modernisation offers.

Vice-Admiral Jarosław Zieniański stressed that the construction of the Navy – like the development of other types of armed forces – is a multiannual undertaking and extremely sensitive to all financial perturbations. Lack of continuity of funding threatens not only with delays, but also with a significant increase in costs, which may result in an individual becoming the most expensive ship of a class in history.

Earthling noted that Polish Navy The Polish Republic is not built for itself, but for the protection of the sovereignty of the state at sea, the protection of territorial waters and key transport routes. Locking down ports, as he pointed out, would mean effectively cutting the State off from the supply of strategic goods necessary for its operation.

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The admiral recalled that any project to acquire equipment – both new ships and equipment for submarines, submarines or shore forces – is a complex process involving not only the Navy, but also the Support Inspectorate, the Armed Forces Agency and the ministries responsible for industrial surveillance and cooperation. The Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of State Acts are carrying out joint actions in this respect, aiming not only at strengthening defence capabilities but also at ensuring a viable return for the economy.

Technology transfer is now an integral part of most of the contracts concluded. Importantly, it does not go exclusively to shipyards and companies located on the coast, but increasingly to companies spread across the country. This phenomenon resembles the great times of the Polish shipbuilding industry in the 1980s and early 1990s, when Poland belonged to European powers in this field, and in the world it was placed in the top ten," said Ziemanski.

The most important element for the Navy remains readiness, and its tasks include not only a strict military dimension, but also state functions – from marine hydrography to rescue in ship and aircraft. The implementation of modernisation programmes, together with technology transfer and the creation of training and service facilities, is intended to provide not only strengthening of the capabilities of the armed forces, but also real benefits for the country's economy.

Politics, economy and military – where to find a balance?

Tomasz Smura addressed another question to General Marek Sokołowski, asking how to balance the needs of the military and the expectations of politicians. On the one hand, the armed forces must receive equipment that meets the real demands of the battlefield, on the other hand, politicians expect investment in defence to also bring tangible economic benefits and support to national industry. So how can we engage with decision-makers to provide the army with the best solutions and at the same time pursue the interests of the state?

The General replied that from the perspective of the General Command it is not possible to look only through the Navy's prism, but more broadly – entire armed forces. In his opinion, the war in Ukraine not only made the military, but also politicians began to perceive in a different way the need to build new capabilities. There was a joint agreement between the two parties. He stressed that the military remained outside the political dispute, and his task is to consistently develop capabilities in line with both national and allied requirements within NATO.

Protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic – question from the hall to Gen. Sokołowski

In the following part of the meeting, one of the participants of the Polish Army General Mieczysław Bieniek, retired, raised the question of practical mechanisms for protecting critical maritime infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. He referred to recent NATO decisions to strengthen command over the Atlantic routes and to the role of a centre in Rostock, asking to outline the participation of the Polish Navy and allies in securing submarine cables and water installations – within the limits of public information.

Deputy Admiral Jarosław Zienański explained that Polish Navy The Polish Republic actively monitors and protects the infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, including in the framework of the Operation "Bare" which has been in progress for more than two years. Coordination of the Baltic States' activities leads to command in Rostock, while Norfolk is responsible for the security of strategic metastasis and Atlantic routes. There is also a MARCOM cell operating in NATO to protect cables and offshore installations. Ziemanski stressed that the MW has specialised means to operate on the surface, in tone and in the air, but is not the sole body responsible for protection – it is necessary to cooperate with other ministries (e.g. infrastructure) and their services.

Interoperability and integration – question from the Chamber

Speaking, Krzysztof Krystowski (Northrop Grumman Polska) referred to the importance of recognizing and circulating information. He asked for an approach to interoperability and closer integration of the Polish Navy with other types of armed forces based on experience with the IBCS (e.g. the last Patriot shooting in the mouth). In this context, he raised the question of incorporating new sensors and early warning systems into the common architecture, in order to deepen the integration of components – in particular with maritime forces.

In reply, Gun Gen Marek Sokołowski stressed that the key is full situational awareness – the commander must see everything and have constant access to reliable data. The type of system is secondary, it counts the effectiveness of providing information that allows fire strikes almost in real time.

Manufacture of ammunition and industrial capacity – question to the representative of KONGSBERG

Mr Smura asked the KONGSBERG representative about the condition of the European industrial base in the field of ammunition and heavy weapons. He referred to the Norwegian example – Consistent strengthening of the national defence industry – and asked to assess how Europe is today able to meet the growing needs of the Ukrainian war and potential NATO–Russia crises.

In response, the representative of the KONGSBERG assessed that Europe remains a few steps behind where it should be, although there is a real chance to reduce this distance quickly. Partnerships – both domestic and international – based on large programmes and investments involving industry, users and research centres are key. He pointed out that this was particularly the case with the production of ammunition and missile missiles, where demand grows faster than production capacity.

He added that recent events in the region, from the Ukrainian front to incidents in the airspace of European countries, show that countries should ask themselves whether they have the means and deployment of capacity to respond adequately. The conclusion was clear: without greater cooperation between countries it will be difficult to achieve the required level of industrial and military readiness.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz