Babcock experts are sharing knowledge and experience, supporting their Polish partners with technical engineering skills and information exchange, and providing opportunities to develop ways to accelerate elements of the Miecznik program.
Following a Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed in 2022 between Babcock and the PGZ-Miecznik Consortium, Babcock secured a Class Design Contract, Project Management Office support contract and a Transfer of Knowledge & Technology (TOKAT) framework agreement—the latter providing broader support in the development of the program and the enhancement of shipbuilding capability in Poland.
A design license agreement with the PGZ-Miecznik consortium was finalized in 2023, allowing the build of three frigates for the Polish Navy.
The support we have provided to the PGZ-Miecznik consortium throughout this period will now continue for the remainder of the project, building on the close ties forged between Babcock and our Polish partners.
Both the UK and Polish Governments selected Babcock’s AH140 design for their next generation of naval capability. Alongside other international partners, this places Poland as a key part of the growing AH140 international family.
Babcock has a number of personnel in country supporting the program which varies depending on the need of the program schedule, with the company providing expert advice to Poland’s sovereign defense capability through its rich heritage of designing, developing, manufacturing, and integrating specialist systems, and delivering technical through-life support and best practice.
Phil Craig, Managing Director—International Shipbuilding, Babcock, said: “We are proud to support the Miecznik program and helping to grow the sovereign defense capability of Poland. Our team provides a critical role in bringing real time advice and expertise from our long-standing experience in global design, build and support programs.
“With plans on developing strategic partnerships in Poland for future defense programs, and with a long-term goal to be a sustained part of Poland’s armaments ecosystem, our commitment to Poland has been many years in the making and we are pleased to be making a positive impact.”
Jan Grabowski, PGZ SA Member of the Management Board, added: “The quality of the construction depends on the foundations on which it is built. Together with Babcock, we have taken on the challenge of designing and building multi-role frigates for the Polish Navy. Being aware of how much work and how many challenges are still ahead of us, we will jointly focus to achieve the goal—to strengthen the naval component of the Polish Armed Forces with Miecznik frigates.”
Babcock continues to grow its presence as a partner in Poland, supporting the Miecznik program and delivering local economic and social impact. Their in-country presence is crucial, with personnel working across headquarters in Warsaw and an office in Gdynia.
