The “storm” takes shape

"Burza" is the second of the 3 frigates that will be created under the metre Programme. Their plan is based on the Arrowhead 140 plan of British company Babcock International. However, it was adapted to the requirements of the Polish Navy.

The frigates will be nearly 139 m long and the width will scope 20 m. They're going to grow up to 26 knots. Their buoyancy will scope 7,000 tons, and the scope will scope 8,000 nautical miles. Ships will receive comprehensive weapons. A 76-mm OTO-Melara cannon, 2 35-mm OSU-35K anti-aircraft kits, as well as 2 large caliber WKM-Bm device guns will be installed on each of them. Naval Strike rocket missiles will be utilized to destruct submarines, and to combat various types of aerial assault measures (from enemy rockets, through strike drones, to aircraft) will be utilized by Sea Captor CAMM missiles. There will be torpedo launchers to effectively hit submarines. The crews will besides benefit from SM400 wall radars and around NS50, sonars, ‘others’ recognition systems, and radio-electronic combat systems. Communication with sensors will facilitate the modern Thales Tacticos combat management system. The crew of each frigate will have 120 sailors. There will besides be area on board for 60 additional ships – for example peculiar troops. The “Millers” are to cooperate with on-board helicopters which Poland intends to get under the Condor programme.

The consortium, led by the Polish Armed Forces Group and the mentioned PGZ War Shipyard, is liable for the construction of the frigate. Many partners and subcontractors are besides active in the project. Shipbuilding work on the first of the ships – the future ORP “Wicher” – began in August 2023. It was then at the Gdynia War Shipyard that the ceremonial cutting of the plates took place. In January 2024, the shipbuilders laid a keel. In fresh days, a complex operation was carried out in Gdynia, which consisted of transporting the “Wichra” forward block from Crist Shipyard to the hull hall at the Naval Shipyard. The construction weighing nearly 1100 tons and advanced for more than 16 metres was towed utilizing a peculiar 60-axis SPMT trolley assembly. ‘The forward section transport is another crucial step in the process of integrating the windstorm hull. The midship's plan has already reached a tallness of about 16 metres, and large-sized equipment is installed on board, which is the equipment of the gym – engines, gearboxes and power generators. At the same time, work on the aft block sections is continuing on the site of the shipyard,” says the PGZ War Shipyard Communication. The launch of the Wind was planned for the second half of 2026. 3 years later, the ship should be handed over to the Navy. The storm is due to be launched in September 2027. It will most likely scope the naval forces in the spring of 2030. The last of the ordered frigates – ORP “Hurgan” should be in the line a year later.

All “Millers” will go to 3 Fleet Ships. They will yet replace 2 frigates like Oliver Hazard Perry. The contract value is over PLN 8 billion.