Steel cut for Polish Navy’s third and final Miecznik frigate

April 29, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Construction of the Polish Navy’s third and final Miecznik frigate, Huragan, has started at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Gdynia with the symbolic cutting of the first steel plates.

The ceremony, which took place on April 28, marks the start of work on the last ship in the Project 106 programme, led by the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium.

The consortium consists of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, which serves as the technical leader, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, and industrial partners from the United Kingdom, with Babcock International as the main project partner.

“With the start of construction on the Huragan, we are entering the next phase of the “Miecznik” programme. This is a special moment – the Wicher is heading towards its launch, scheduled for August this year, the Burza is in the hull section construction phase, and today we are starting work on the third vessel,” said Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna.

“PGZ Stocznia Wojenna is carrying out this programme on schedule, systematically developing its capabilities and utilising modern infrastructure, expanded for the needs of this programme. The experience we have gained is an asset that will serve us well in future naval projects for the Polish Navy.”

The multi-role frigates being built by the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium are based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design. The vessels will meet the Polish Navy’s requirements for the protection of maritime areas and bases, the engagement of surface, submarine and coastal targets, as well as the conduct of maritime air defence within the framework of national and allied operations.

The Miecznik-class frigates have a projected overall length of approximately 138 metres and a maximum beam of around 20 metres. Each vessel will have a maximum displacement of about 7,000 tonnes, including auxiliary equipment and hull plating.

They are designed to achieve a range of roughly 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of up to 28 knots. The propulsion system consists of four CODAD diesel piston engines driving two controllable-pitch propellers. Each ship will have a core crew of around 120 personnel, with accommodation for an additional 60 embarked staff.

Construction of the first frigate, Wicher, is currently at an advanced stage of hull assembly. Its launch is scheduled for August 2026, with commissioning expected in 2029.

The second vessel, Burza, has already passed early milestones, including steel cutting in May 2025 and keel laying in December 2025, and is now progressing through further hull construction phases.

PHOTOS: Keel laid for Poland’s second Miecznik-class frigate

Vessels

The final ship in the programme, Huragan, is planned for delivery to the Polish Navy by the end of 2031, marking the completion of the Miecznik program.