First steel cut for second Miecznik-class frigate for Polish Navy

Polish shipbuilder PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ SW) has cut the first steel to be used in the construction of the second Miecznik-class frigate ordered by the Polish Navy.

PGZ SW is building three Miecznik-class frigates in collaboration with Poland's Remontowa Shipbuilding and defence technology firms the Babcock International Group, Thales, and MBDA.

The vessel will be a variant of a Babcock warship design that also serves as the basis for the Type 31 or Inspiration-class frigates ordered by the UK Royal Navy and for a separate class of frigates to be built under licence by state-owned PAL Indonesia for the Indonesian Navy.

Upon completion, each Miecznik-class frigate will have a length of 138 metres, a beam of 20 metres, a displacement of approximately 7,000 tonnes, a top speed of 28 knots, and space for 120 crewmembers and up to 60 additional personnel.

The ship's missions will include anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, offshore infrastructure protection, surveillance, amphibious support, and humanitarian assistance.

The first Miecznik-class frigate is scheduled to be launched in 2026 and delivered to the Polish Navy no later than 2029.