ORP Jerzy Różycki, Poland’s first SIGINT (signal intelligence) vessel, has been named and launched by Saab at Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdansk.
As per a recent press statement, the new vessel is the first of two such boats set to be acquired under Poland’s Delfin maritime intelligence programme; its armament agency signed a contract valued at roughly €600m with Saab in late 2022 for two SIGINT boats.
ORP Jerzy Różycki has been named after a mathematician and cryptologist who helped break the codes used by German Enigma machines in World War Two.
The first steel was cut on the vessel in April 2023 and her keel was laid in November that year. Saab is the prime contractor on the project and will supply and integrate the ships’ mission systems; Remontowa Shipbuilding has been subcontracted to build the ships, supported by Polish design firm MMC and a number of other Polish defence firms.
The SIGINT vessel’s launch ceremony on Tuesday was attended by a host of dignitaries including representatives from the Polish Armaments Agency, its Ministry of National Defence, and the Polish Navy, among others.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, told those present: “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.
“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.”
ORP Jerzy Różycki will now be equipped with her reconnaissance systems and will undergo sea trials before entering service; she is expected to be commissioned into active service some time in 2027.
Work on the second SIGINT ship, the future ORP Henryk Zygalski is progressing; her keel was laid in January 2024. She is also named after a fellow Enigma-code-breaking cryptologist and is expected to enter service in 2027.
- You can read more details on the Saab website
