A rendering of the SIGINT ships for the Polish Navy. Credit: Saab AB.

The Polish Navy’s first signal intelligence (SIGINT) ship, ORP Jerzy Różycki, was launched and christened at Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdańsk, Poland on 1 July.

The launch follows the initial steel cutting on the ship in April 2023 and the keel laying later that year.

The radio-electronic reconnaissance vessel is named after Jerzy Różycki, a renowned mathematician and cryptologist who contributed to deciphering the German Enigma machine’s code.

It is being acquired as part of Poland’s ‘DELFIN’ programme which aims to enhance maritime intelligence capabilities.

Prior to deployment, ORP Jerzy Różycki will be outfitted with reconnaissance systems and will undergo rigorous sea trials.

Saab president and CEO Micael Johansson said: “Today marks a significant milestone with the launch of ORP Jerzy Różycki as a testament to the power of cooperation and shared vision. This project exemplifies how nations around the Baltic Sea, with similar needs and experiences, can come together to develop solutions that benefit us all.

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“It demonstrates the type of advanced technology and capabilities that will be imperative for Europe to stand strong against emerging threats and ensure the safety of our people and societies.”

The ORP Jerzy Różycki’s delivery to the Polish Navy is planned for 2027.

The vessels are being built under a contract valued at approximately €600m ($708m) net. It was signed between the State Treasury – Armament Agency and Saab Kockums on 25 November 2022.

The ships are intended to bolster the Polish military’s reconnaissance capabilities through advanced maritime radio-electronic SIGINT systems.

The project also sees participation from various entities within Poland’s defence industry sector. MMC, a Polish firm, is collaborating with Saab on design aspects.

Remontowa Shipbuilding handling shipbuilding duties.

Saab is also tasked with delivering and integrating sophisticated mission systems into the vessels.

In January 2024, Poland marked an important juncture with the keel laying ceremony for the second SIGINT ship at Remontowa Shipbuilding.

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