Babcock International Group PLC, a leading aerospace, defense, and nuclear engineering services company, today announced that it has marked a number of significant milestones in the MIECZNIK frigate program in Poland. The company has finalized a design license agreement with the PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium to build three frigates for the Polish Navy. The first cut of steel for the first frigate has taken place at the PGZ Shipyard in Gdynia. Babcock International and PGZ S.A. have also entered into a framework agreement with the intention of forming a joint venture to further strengthen their strategic partnership.
The MIECZNIK frigates are based on Babcock International’s Arrowhead 140 design, which is also being used for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates and Indonesian Navy’s “Red White frigate” (fregat Merah Putih). The ships are designed to be multi-mission capable, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and air defense. They will be equipped with a variety of weapons and sensors, including a 127mm main gun, a 32-cell vertical launch system, and a sonar system.
In a statement, Babcock International CEO David Lockwood said, “We are delighted to be marking these milestones in the MIECZNIK frigate program. This is a significant achievement for our team and a major boost for the Polish defense industry. We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver these ships to the Polish Navy.”
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz B?aszczak said, “The MIECZNIK frigate program is a key part of our efforts to modernize the Polish Navy. These ships will be a valuable asset to our fleet and will help to protect our country’s interests.”
The MIECZNIK frigate program is a major boost for the Polish defense industry. It will create jobs and help to develop the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. The first MIECZNIK frigate is scheduled to be delivered to the Polish Navy in 2027. The other two ships are expected to be delivered in 2028 and 2029. The program is also a sign of the growing cooperation between the United Kingdom and Poland in the defense sector. The MIECZNIK frigate program is a major step forward for the Polish Navy and for the defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Poland. The ships will be a valuable asset to both countries and will help to strengthen their security.
