Construction of the third frigate from the Miecznik program has started at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna shipyard in Gdynia, Poland.
Following the frigates “Wicher” (storm) and “Burza” (thunderstorm), construction of the third unit, “Huragan” (hurricane), has now commenced with a symbolic steel-cutting ceremony at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna naval shipyard in Gdynia.
“With the start of construction of the ‘Huragan’, we are entering the next phase of the implementation of the ‘Miecznik’ program. It is a special moment: ‘Wicher’ is heading towards the launch planned for August this year, ‘Burza’ is in the sectional construction of the hull, and today we are giving the go-ahead for the third unit,” said Marcin Ryngwelski, President of the Management Board of the shipyard.
The multi-purpose frigates built by the PGZ-Miecznik consortium are based on the British Arrowhead 140 design and are intended to meet the requirements of the Polish Navy in the field of protection of sea areas and bases, engagement of surface, submarine and coastal targets and maritime air defense as part of national and allied operations.
PGZ is carrying out construction work in the “Miecznik” hull hall – at 43 m the highest shipbuilding assembly hall in Poland – as well as in other production halls of the shipyard. The Crist shipyard, also based in Gdynia, is also involved in the bow sections.
The “Huragan” frigate marks the end of the “Miecznik” program. The unit is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2031. The commissioning of the first frigate “Wicher” is planned for 2029. The second frigate “Burza” is to be handed over to the Polish Navy in the first half of 2030.
Technical details of the “Miecznik” frigates
- Total length: approx. 138 m;
- max. width: approx. 20 m;
- max. displacement (including additional equipment and hull): approx. 7,000 t;
- Range: approx. 8,000 nm;
- Maximum speed: 28 knots;
- Propulsion: 4 diesel engines in CODAD configuration, 2 controllable pitch propellers;
- Crew: 120 persons + approx. 60 additional personnel.
