Production of the first Swordfish frigate was officially launched at a shipyard in the northern port of Gdynia on Wednesday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
In attendance was Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, who told the media: “The launch of the construction of the Swordfish frigates marks another stage in our drive to strengthen the Polish Navy. The three frigates to be built under the Swordfish programme will represent a qualitative leap for the Polish Navy. They will be heavily armed with offensive as well as air-defence weapons.”
The defence minister said that a powerful navy was “indispensable in ensuring security" for Poland.
He added that the Polish navy “plays an important role in ensuring the security of the entire NATO alliance.”
Błaszczak also said that the Swordfish frigates were being produced by a domestic shipyard, contributing to its development and guaranteeing jobs for the workers.
“I am confident that you will meet the challenge,” he told the workers of the Gdynia shipyard.
The Polish government signed a contract with the state-run Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) to buy three new multi-purpose frigates in 2021, the PAP news agency reported.
Equipped with "first-class radio navigation systems," artillery and missile systems, the vessels will be tasked with protecting maritime routes and energy infrastructure, as well as taking part in NATO missions, according to officials.
The first of the three Swordfish frigates is slated for delivery in the third quarter of 2028, with the last one due to reach the Polish navy in the second quarter of 2031, the PAP news agency reported.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP