Poland launches first SIGINT ship

Poland has reached a significant milestone in its maritime defence capabilities with the launch of its first signals intelligence (SIGINT) ship, the ORP Jerzy Różycki. The vessel, built by Saab as the prime contractor, was launched on 1 July 2025 in Gdańsk, Poland, a Saab press release states. This event marks a crucial phase in Poland’s ‘DELFIN’ programme, which is set to deliver two of SIGINT vessels.

The press release explains that this launch follows the first steel cut in April 2023 and the keel laying in November of the same year. The ORP Jerzy Różycki will undergo the integration of its reconnaissance systems and extensive sea trials before deploying operationally. The SIGINT ship will have electronic intelligence systems that are designed to acquire intelligence data across the entire spectrum of maritime electronic intelligence, the press release explains. This may mean that it can capture and process radio communications as well as radar signals, and other electromagnetic emissions.  

The ORP Jerzy Różycki is named in honour of Jerzy Różycki, a distinguished Polish mathematician, Cipher Bureau employee, and cryptologist. He was instrumental, alongside Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski, in breaking the code of the German Enigma encryption machine during the interwar period.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, commented on the significance of the launch, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone with the launch of ORP Jerzy Różycki as a testament to the power of cooperation and shared vision.” He further elaborated that the project demonstrates how nations with similar needs in the Baltic Sea region can collaborate on solutions that benefit all parties, highlighting the advanced technology and capabilities crucial for European defence against emerging threats. 

The launch ceremony saw attendance from key Polish defence officials, including representatives from the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the Polish Armaments Agency, the Polish Headquarters of Marine Technology, the Polish Navy, and the Chief of Reconnaissance and Intelligence Analysis Directorate (J2). 

While Saab holds the prime contractor role for the SIGINT ship, Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. is subcontracted to construct the ships, with Polish company MMC providing design support. Saab is fully responsible for the supply and integration of the mission systems. The project also involves other entities within the Polish defence industry. The second vessel under the ‘DELFIN’ programme, ORP Henryk Zygalski, is also under construction at the same shipyard. Both vessels are based on the design of the Swedish Navy’s HMS Artemis SIGINT vessel.

Calibre comment

At sea, the ORP Jerzy Różycki will help monitor Russian activity in the Baltic Sea and northern reaches of Europe. The contract for the ‘DELFIN’ programme is valued at approximately €620 million (£525 million), according to reports, and it makes an important and meaningful contribution to Poland’s defence. Russia would likely be able to surge assets close to its ports, potentially overwhelming NATO’s limited anti-submarine warfare capabilities. If successful in evading detection, Russian submarines equipped with land attack cruise missiles could hold many sites across Europe at risk – including with nuclear warheads. Therefore, investing in resources to monitor and understand Russian movements like Poland’s new SIGINT ship are definitely worthwhile. 

This naval development forms part of Poland’s extensive and ongoing military modernisation efforts. Poland has significantly increased its defence spending, with its 2025 defence budget projected to be approximately 4.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it one of the highest spenders among NATO members in terms of GDP percentage. Much of that investment is focused on the land domain, however, including significant orders for K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers from South Korea, with framework agreements for up to 1,000 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 8th July, 2025.