Poland launches first signals intelligence spy ship

Poland has launched its first signals intelligence (SIGINT) ship, one of two ordered from Swedish defense company Saab and constructed in the Polish port of Gdańsk. The vessels will strengthen naval intelligence capabilities, including the interception and analysis of electronic signals from other ships.

The new vessel – named ORP Jerzy Różycki in honor of the Polish mathematician and cryptologist who, before and during World War Two, worked on cracking the German Enigma code – was launched on Tuesday in Gdańsk.

“This is a significant strengthening of the Polish navy's capabilities,” declared Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. “It will enable more effective acquisition of reconnaissance data and countering threats in the Baltic Sea.”

“ORP Jerzy Różycki will be an important element of security operations and support missions…to counter acts of sabotage and security breaches by Russia,” he added.

During the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Baltic Sea has become a zone of strategic concern, with vessels from the Russian “shadow fleet” – a term used to describe ships that the Kremlin operates using concealing tactics in order to evade sanctions – suspected of conducting sabotage in the area.

In May, Poland's military intervened after a Russian ship was seen acting “suspiciously” near an undersea electricity cable in the Baltic Sea. The Polish defense ministry noted at the time that it had carried out “effective deterrence” against the ship and planned to inspect the seabed.

Meanwhile, in January, NATO launched a new military mission to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea , an idea that was proposed by Poland last year in the wake of sabotage targeting undersea energy and communication cables.

To address such threats, Poland signed a contract for the two spy vessels with Saab in 2022. Construction of the first began the following year, with work subcontracted to Poland's Remontowa Shipbuilding. Saab itself then completed the delivery and integration of advanced mission systems.

The second ship, ORP Henryk Zygalski – named after another Enigma-cracking Polish cryptologist – is expected to be completed by June 2027.

The two ships “will become the ears and eyes of our Navy,” said Dariusz Jaguszewski, president of Remontowa Shipbuilding, quoted by broadcaster TVN.

Yesterday's launch was also attended by Swedish deputy defense minister Peter Sandwall. "Sweden needs Poland. It is about security, but also about a common vision of the threats in the Baltic. And that is why we are building the capabilities of our navies together," he declared.

Last year, Poland and Sweden signed a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation on defence, economic development and support for Ukraine, as well as bolster security around the Baltic Sea and NATO's eastern flank in response to Russian aggression

“This project is an example of how countries around the Baltic Sea, with similar needs and experiences, can work together to develop solutions that benefit us all,” said Micael Johansson, Saab's CEO, referring to the new spy ship.

“It is an example of the advanced technology and capabilities that are necessary for Europe to face new threats and ensure the safety of its citizens,” he added.

Main image credit: MON (under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 PL )