Poland Purchase Lockheed Martin Mark 41 VLS Systems For Its Frigates

Defense News ,Poland :- Poland's state-owned defense industry group, PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa), has recently inked an agreement with the renowned American technology giant, Lockheed Martin. This significant development falls under the Direct Military Sales (DMS) framework, as Poland proceeds to acquire Mark 41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for its upcoming Miecznik-class frigates.

As per PGZ's announcement, each of the three new frigates is set to be outfitted with four Mark 41 VLS launchers, each boasting eight launching cells. Additionally, Poland has opted to include Extensible Launching System (ExLS) modules in the procurement, facilitating the integration of CAMM air defense missiles. These missiles are slated to be supplied by the European company MBDA.

The acquisition of Mark 41 VLS systems from Lockheed Martin marks a pivotal stride in the Miecznik project, a key initiative for the modernization of the Polish Navy. Under this comprehensive program, Poland is poised to receive three multi-role frigates based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design. Notably, all three vessels are scheduled to be constructed at the PGZ Stocznia Wojenna naval shipyard in Gdynia, Poland, with the maiden ship's launch anticipated in 2026.

Each Miecznik-class frigate is designed to be armed with a formidable arsenal, including a 76 mm Leonardo OTO Melara Super Rapid Strales automatic cannon, four Lockheed Martin Mk 41 launchers, an OSU-35 artillery system featuring 35 mm calibre guns, two 324 mm calibre torpedo launchers, and Saab RBS-15 anti-ship guided missiles. The final piece of the puzzle rests with the multi-purpose deck helicopter, with the outcome hinging on the Kondor program. The program envisions the acquisition of between four and eight aircraft, with potential options such as the Leonardo AW159 Wildcat or Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk being prominently considered.