Poland’s second SIGINT ship takes to the sea

Poland has contracted Saab to build two SIGnals INTelligence (SIGINT) ships to help it monitor Russian activity. The first was launched in 2025 and the second was launched on January 14, 2026, according to Saab. 

BLUF: 

• Poland’s second SIGINT ship is called ORP Henryk Zygalski. 
• The launch will be followed by onboard installation work and sea trials, with delivery to Poland expected in 2027 and 2028. 

Saab launched Poland’s second SIGINT ship, the ORP Henryk Zygalski, on January 14, 2026 according to a company press release. The two vessels, ordered under the DELFIN Programme, will now proceed through onboard installation work, including the extensive array of electronic sensors, before heading out for sea trials. Zygalski was a Polish cryptologist who played a pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma machine ciphers. He worked alongside Jerzy Różycki, who the other SIGINT ship is named after. 

“We are pleased to see the second Polish SIGINT ship successfully launched today. With this important project we are strengthening cooperation between Swedish and Polish industries in support of European security in the Baltic Sea region,” said Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums.

The exact system used for the SIGINT is unknown. However, Saab does offer a system called Sirius, which combines communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors into a single system. It can be used in all domains and enables tactical and strategic intelligence gathering, the company states. 

ELINT is a discipline within SIGINT that refers to gathering intelligence on electronic systems – typically radars, but it can include radios and other systems working in the electromagnetic spectrum. COMINT generally means intercepting an adversary’s communications and deciphering their messages or communications. If Sirius is to be used for the SIGINT ships, having both capabilities together should help Poland to detect and track Russian naval movements. 

Assuming that the installation work and trials are completed on schedule, the two ships will be delivered in 2027 and 2028, bolstering Poland’s SIGINT capability. Saab is playing an important role in the country’s naval modernisation following its selection as the preferred bidder in November 2025 to build its A26 submarines for Poland’s Orka Programme. 

• Poland launches first SIGINT ship – Calibre Defence
• Saab Signs Raft of Agreements Deepening European Defence Ties 
• Russia and the strategic challenge to the North – Calibre Defence  

Although that contract had not yet been signed at the time of writing, Saab has established links with various companies, including JFD Global and a range of Polish companies, in support of its bid. 

Calibre comment: SIGINT is key

There are two aspects to Poland’s SIGINT ship procurement. The first is Russia and its Northern Fleet, which is expected to perform a very important role in any conflict with NATO. It would, at the very least, be expected to demonstrate Russia’s willingness to fight through a precise single strike on a high value target using conventional weapons. And, of course, it carries a considerable portion of Russia’s nuclear deterrent. All of this means tracking Russia’s fleet – above and below the surface – is paramount to the security of Europe. 

At the same time, however, the US is pivoting to the Indo-Pacific and reducing its commitment to the continent, taking with it much of its enabler capabilities including SIGINT. This is leading many European countries, including Germany, to build and procure their own SIGINT platforms. SIGINT can provide some of the first indicators that an adversary is about to do something, as well as valuable information on that adversary’s location and order of battle. All of this without emitting any signals like a radar might. So, with Russia looking to remain flexible and powerful in the North and Baltic Seas, and the US likely withdrawing some of its capabilities, programmes like DELFIN take on a renewed importance for the security of Europe. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on January 15, 2026. The lead image shows Poland’s two SIGINT ships; ORP Henryk Zygalski and ORP Jerzy Różycki. Credit: Saab.