Just the two of us: Babcock and TKMS remain in Miecznik competition
Babcock's Arrowhead 140 frigate design. (Photo: Babcock.)
Poland is looking to acquire three multi-purpose frigates under its Miecznik project.
The Polish government on 10 February announced it has whittled down the number of competitors for the Miecznik frigate programme to the UK’s Babcock and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
The decision indicates that Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is out of the programme; when asked for comment by Shephard, the company directed questions to PGZ as the prime contractor for Miecznik.
Babcock offered its Arrowhead 140 design, which is also the basis for the future RN Inspiration-class Type 31 vessel, while TKMS proposed the MEKO A-300PL.
Navantia had put forward its F-100PL design.
Following an assessment of lifecycle costs, interoperability with existing Polish equipment, modernisation potential and other metrics, the UK and German bids scored within 5% of each other.
A decision between the two final contenders and a contract signature will depend on final terms and acquisition cost negotiations.
Under a technology transfer programme, the chosen frigate design will be built at the PGZ shipyard in Gdynia.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy]()
Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy
The latest trials of Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile in two locations proved its effectiveness in combatting real-world uncrewed threats.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
