Polish delegation to Spain. Orka's program is moving fast.

On 21 July, at the invitation of the Spanish Ministry of National Defence and the board of the Navantia shipyard, a delegation of representatives of the Polish Government and the Navy of Poland held a working visit to Spain. The purpose of the meeting was to get acquainted with the offer of the Spanish shipbuilding industry, including the solutions proposed under the Orka programme.

End of the race for Orka. Polish delegation visits Navantia

A visit to Navantia shipyard provided an opportunity to discuss potential industrial cooperation, the possibility of technology transfer and the participation of Polish shipyards in the implementation of the future contract. The meeting is part of the ongoing process of analysing offers inOrka program– a strategic project aimed at restoring the capabilities of the Polish Navy.

Navantia declares readiness for long-term cooperation with the Polish Navy also in the exploitation phase of future units.

Together with the Spanish Navy, we have developed an effective model of operational support that ensures the high efficiency of submarines throughout their life cycle. We want to implement this system also in Poland, adapting it to the real needs of the Polish Navy.

Alfonso Valea, Commercial Director of Navantia

The Spanish manufacturer shall ensure that its offer does not end with the delivery of finished units. The company has many years of experience in technology transfer and construction of an industrial ecosystem, which allows local service, service and development of submarines' operating capacity.

The readiness to cooperate with the Polish industry and the Navy in the long term is also declared, with a view to real-time increasing national competence in the maintenance, modernisation and operational support of the units.

Read more:Navantia and Industry Day in Gdynia: cooperation for the shipbuilding industry

The delegation was chaired by the Secretary of State at MON Paweł Bejda. As the Deputy Minister emphasised, each of the proposals analysed must meet strict criteria – not only in terms of operating parameters and delivery time, but also in terms of financial conditions, participation of Polish companies and long-term technological cooperation.

Equally important are the requirements of the Navy itself – they are officers, enlisted officers and sailors who know best what capabilities the future submarine should provide in the service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland.

The tour de Orka ended with a series of visits by Polish representatives to all bidders who invited the Polish side to learn about their own solutions and production potential. Now comes the moment where you have to gofrom conversation to decision phase.

Not just buying, but deciding the direction of development. Shipbuilding industry is waiting for a signal

This tender is not only about the best ship – it is about whether Poland will be just a customer or co-host of a new stage in the development of the ship industry, which in recent years clearly emerges from the role of subcontractor.

Read also:Combat potential of S-80 ships in Orka program [WIND]

The construction of the frigate Swordfish at the PGZ War Shipyard and modern battleships, such as the destroyers min Kormoran II in Gdańsk Shipbuilding, shows that Polish shipyards are no longer just performers of other people's ideas. Today we participate in the design and construction of modern ships – we co-create them from scratch, integrate systems and assume responsibility for the final effect.

This is a clear signal that the Polish ship industry is coming out of the shadows and has a chance to regain its rightful place in the state security system.

Selection of the tendererOrka programit is a decision that will have consequences for decades – not only for the Navy, but also for the entire maritime economy. This is a moment that will show whether the Polish State consistently supports its own industrial potential or stops halfway.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz