Naval Group in Warsaw’s Spotlight as Poland Evaluates French Submarines
A Polish delegation has visited Toulon to assess Naval Group’s submarine offer under the Orka program, a major procurement effort aimed at modernizing Poland’s naval capabilities.
The Orka program, revived in 2023 after a multi-year pause, aims to procure three new submarines for the Polish Navy.
At least eleven manufacturers responded to a request for information issued by the Polish Ministry of Defense. These include France’s Naval Group, South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, Germany’s TKMS, Sweden’s Saab Kockums, and Italy’s Fincantieri, according to Opex360.
Among the selection criteria, the Polish Armaments Agency highlighted the ability to dive beyond 200 meters, essential for operations in the Baltic Sea, alongside capabilities such as engaging aerial targets, deploying unmanned underwater vehicles, and launching cruise missiles.
Intergovernmental consultations are currently underway. Such talks are standard in government-to-government arms deals, where strategic and political considerations accompany industrial ones.
In March, Polish media reported that the Armaments Agency had responded positively to proposals from TKMS and Fincantieri, both of which offer versions of the U212-class submarine.
At the same time, Rzeczpospolita reported that France is seeking to streamline the tender by proposing a direct agreement for the delivery of Scorpène submarines equipped with sea-launched cruise missiles, as part of broader defense cooperation.
“Negotiations between Poland and France on submarine procurement will take place soon,” the newspaper wrote. “Poland will seek the best financial terms and broader cooperation in the defense sector — not necessarily limited to shipbuilding.”
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Bejda recently visited the naval base in Toulon, where he met with Emmanuel Chiva, France’s Delegate General for Armaments, toured French naval vessels, and reviewed various technologies.
According to a press release from Poland’s Ministry of Defense on July 16, Bejda’s visit was part of “in-depth analysis and negotiations” within the Orka program, in which Naval Group is a key participant.
“The Polish delegation held working-level talks focused on potential technology transfer and the involvement of Polish industry,” the Ministry stated.
Bejda stressed that “decisions on the Orka program will have long-term consequences for Poland’s security” and require “a detailed evaluation of each offer.”
The Orka program
Orka is one of Poland’s most ambitious naval projects. Authorities have long planned to acquire third-generation diesel-electric submarines capable of operating beyond the Baltic Sea and carrying long-range cruise missiles.
The initial 2012 plan called for the procurement or construction of three modern submarines; however, the project was shelved following the parliamentary elections in late 2015.
Poland’s insistence on integrating cruise missiles further complicated the process. Warsaw entered talks with the United States (on UGM-109 Tomahawks for Type 212A/214A and A26 boats) and France (on MdCN missiles for the Scorpène class).
The leading contenders in the program now include:
- Type 212A and 214A submarines from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS);
- Scorpène-class submarines from France’s Naval Group;
- A26 submarines from Sweden’s Saab Kockums.
- The selected boats are to replace Poland’s only operational submarine, the Soviet-designed Project 877 Paltus.
