Thales to deliver CMS and sensor suite to Polish MIECZNIK Frigates

© Babcock International

Thales will equip the Polish Navy MIECZNIK frigates with the TACTICOS combat management system, sonars, infrared sensor and radars providing the warships with multiple functions for detection, identification, command and control and decision making. The first ship is expected to enter service in 2029 through a strategic programme, which incorporates a cooperation agreement between Thales and the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium (lead by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa).

Designed to carry out a wide range of tasks at sea, including, among others, securing sea lines of communication and critical infrastructure, the multi-role frigates of the MIECZNIK class will significantly increase the capabilities of the Polish Navy and be an important contribution of the Republic of Poland within the North Atlantic Alliance. These vessels will be equipped with a set of sensors developed by Thales and integrated with the warship's combat system.

Thales combat management system TACTICOS will be the central command and decision-making element of the frigate combat system. Its function and performance – supporting sensor control, picture compilation, situation assessment, action support and weapon control – are critical to the operational effectiveness of a naval vessel.

Poland's MIECZNIK frigates will rely on a complete Thales sonar suite comprising the BlueHunter hull-mounted sonar and the Captas-2 towed-array sonar providing a multi-sensor assessment of the overall underwater situation.

In addition, Thales will provide two highly complementary radars, the SM400 Block 2 and the NS50. The SM400 radar, a multifunction S-Band radar, is designed to simultaneously provide long-range air and surface surveillance, helicopter control and weapon control functions at a range up to 400 km. The NS50 radar, together with TSA 6000 IFF1 interrogator, offers an additional layer of protection providing superior air and surface detection, tracking and classification. The frigates will also be equipped with ARTEMIS, a 360° naval infrared search and track system, and the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 fire control radar.

With the support of the UK Government and working together with Babcock and MBDA, Thales will put key learnings from the Type 31 programme in the UK into good use to reduce risk and ease the path to vessel acceptance. Moreover Thales will contribute to consolidate Poland’s local defence industry by working with the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium and other Polish industry actors.  

Cezary Cierzan, Department of Maritime Technologies Director, PGZ said: “The contract provides a solid foundation for joint endeavour and the tremendous value that can be achieved through collaboration is a key aspect of strategic partnership. Therefore, a set of selected sensors and effectors will be integrated with TACTICOS CMS independently by PGZ thanks to the knowledge transfer from Thales.“

James Cartlidge MP, Minister for Defence Procurement said: “As one of our closest Allies, we continue to strengthen our partnership with Poland to help ensure European security. These new Polish frigates, equipped with some of the best of British industry behind them, will be a formidable addition to Poland’s fleet, bolstering NATO’s capabilities.”

Alex Cresswell, Chief Executive Thales in the UK said: “This is a huge success for Thales, aided by the support of the British government. We look forward to continuing our historic relationship with Poland to the benefit of both nations.” Alex Cresswell, Chief Executive Thales in the UK.

Dirk Jan de Bruijn Vice President Above Water Systems, Thales said "Our relationship with the Polish Navy dates back many years and we are proud that we have been selected for this major programme after two years of developing the solution with PGZ. We look forward to bringing Thales engineering and technology on board these ships and working with Polish industry to support the Polish Navy."