At Naval Base Winoujcie, a deal for the purchase of three more Kormoran II mine countermeasure (MCM) ships and additional support packages was signed on June 26.
They will be a part of the Polish Navy’s mine defense system along with the first ship of the class, ORP Kormoran, and the other two units, ORP Mewa and ORP Albatros.
The ships will be part of the 12th Minesweeper Squadron when they are delivered in 2026 and 2027. (8th Coastal Defense Flotilla).
The nation’s Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Blaszczak, revealed plans to buy three more 58,5-meter-long Kormoran II-class minehunters this year in March. These ships have a crew of 45 and can travel at a top speed of 15 knots.
The 850-ton, non-magnetic steel-hulled ships are outfitted with Saab’s Double Eagle Mk III remotely operated vehicle and the locally designed SCOT-M combat management system (ROV). They have twin-barreled autocannons, machine guns, and rocket launchers as well.
On November 28, 2017, the lead ship ORP Kormoran (601) was put into service. In 2019, the third vessel’s construction began on the same day as the second ship, Albatros, was launched.
The Polish Navy will now have a total of six Kormoran II-class minehunters with this latest acquisition.
