Babcock International, Thales UK and PGZ MIECZNIK consortium announced the signing of a strategic cooperation through press releases. The Arrowhead 140 has been selected as the platform design for Poland’s MIECZNIK new frigate programme
MIECZNIK program
The Polish Armaments Agency selected Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 (AH140) from three different platform design proposals provided by the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium including Navantia, TKMS and Babcock. These proposals were originally down selected in July 2021.
The cooperation plans the three AH140 frigates will be built in Polish shipyards by a local workforce, drawing significantly from Polish suppliers and Babcock’s global supply chain.
Babcock press release stressed that “following the successful completion of the design phase, Babcock will support the MIECZNIK frigate build in Poland through a design licensing agreement, transferring knowledge and technologies to optimise Poland’s shipbuilding and industrial capabilities.“
“I’m delighted that Babcock has been selected as a platform design provider and technology partner for Poland, and that our Arrowhead 140 frigate has been chosen for Poland’s MIECZNIK programme. Its adaptability and capability mean we can tailor the design to suit the needs of the Polish Navy. Driven by innovation and backed by heritage, the Arrowhead 140 frigate has British ingenuity and engineering at its core.”
David Lockwood, Babcock CEO
“Poland is one of our oldest and closest allies, and we continue to strengthen our partnership to help deter future threats.
“The Arrowhead 140 frigate will be a formidable addition to Poland’s fleet, providing world-leading capabilities to Poland’s growing naval presence.”
UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin
Thales UK will supply the TACTICOS combat management system the company has announced. The company highlights that they’ll use their experience of Type 31 frigates construction “into good use to reduce risk and ease the path to vessel acceptance.” The vessel will be fitted with MBDA missiles.
Naval News comments
This strategic cooperation confirms what Naval News previously reported – Arrowhead 140 appeared the best solution to Polish requirements. For the record, the Polish government down selected two competitors for the Miecznik frigate programme (Babcock’s Arrowhead-140PL and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ MEKO-A300PL) on February 10.
Babcock’s design has been selected by the Royal Navy to build their future Type 31 frigates. They are scheduled to replace the aging Type 23 general-purpose frigates. The first export contract for Arrowhead 140 (AH140) frigate materialized through a design licence agreement with PT PAL Indonesia (Persero).
