Poland launches its first Miecznik frigate
A side profile of Poland's first Project 106 Miecznik frigate, Wicher, being launched off Gdynia on 12 August 2026. (Jakub Link-Lenczowski)
On 13 August 2026, Janes observed PGZ Naval Shipyard (PGZ Stocznia Wojenna) launch Wicher , the first of three Project 106 Miecznik frigates being built for the Polish Navy based on Babcock's Arrowhead 140 design.
Unlike a conventional slipway launch, the operation was carried out using the Boabarge 33 semi-submersible heavy transport barge, reflecting both the size of the vessel and the infrastructure available at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Gdynia.
On 9 August, Wicher was rolled out of the shipyard's hull integration hall and transferred onto Boabarge 33. The frigate was moved using a set of 287 synchronized self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) before being positioned and secured on the barge. This marked the first time the hull had left the construction hall since assembly began.
Jan Grabowski, PGZ Management Board member responsible for naval programs, told Janes : “The roll-out of the future ORP Wicher is a symbolic moment. The Polish defence industry is demonstrating to the customer that it is delivering, on time and within budget, exactly what the customer expects.”
On 12 August, Wicher was formally christened in Gdynia in the presence of the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
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