Poland can obtain new submarines thanks to EU expenses for reinforcements. They are useful in the Baltic Sea

In recent years, ORP Orzeł has spent more time in a renovation dock than on the water. The 40-year-old can finally wait for successors. There is an idea to finance three new units from the EU defense fund. I am talking about at least a dozen billion zlotys.

– As we learn that you can reach for money from the European Union, which will soon lie on the table, of course, we will probably want to use it – comments Paweł Bajda, deputy minister of national defense from PSL.

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The final decision has not yet been made, because although financing is important, the requirements to meet the equipment are more important. Shipyards from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden and South Korea are fighting for a contract. The use of EU money would limit the choice of factories from Europe.

The “Orka” program is waiting for implementation for 30 years. The modernization of the Polish fleet was not a priority before, because no one expected a threat from the sea. – Until 2008, it could be thought that the Baltic Sea is actually the sea of ​​peace – admits Cdr. Lt. Krzysztof Kubiak, military historian, political scientist.

The Baltic has become an area of ​​increased competition between Russia and NATO. – Underwater ships are a key ability to maintain the security of the Polish state – says Capt. Damian Przybysz, 3. Flotilla of ships.

See also: Sinus operation in the Baltic Sea. “We have to watch all the time, because the enemy never sleeps”

Contrary to popular opinion, the Baltic Sea is an ideal reservoir for such units. It is shallow and crowded. It also has exceptional hydrological conditions. This hinders the work of electronic systems for combing sea deep. – The submarine in the Baltic Sea is extremely difficult to detect and find, which means that we can carry out our tasks without a situation in which we would be observed by a potential opponent – indicates Capt. Damian Przybysz.

In this way you can conduct a hidden diagnosis. – Underwater ships, whether miniature or large, will also be necessary for monitoring critical infrastructure, and this is very important these days – notes Paweł Zariczny, a security expert.

The submarine is also the best weapon to combat other submarines. It is also an important element of deterrent. – We will not depend on anyone when we choose submarines with maneuvering rockets, because then these ships will be able to shoot these rockets, for example in relation to the Russian Federation not only from the Baltic Sea, but also from the Arctic Sea, for example. We can then attack goals even at a distance of over a thousand kilometers – emphasizes Cdr.

New submarines will appear in the Polish fleet in six years at the earliest. It is possible that before this happens, we will temporarily reach for used units to train sailors not only on Eagle.