Tusk On A Historic Moment For Poland: “We Will Be A Maritime Power”

• 13.08.2026, 8:51

A new frigate was launched in Gdynia.

A new Navy frigate, the ORP Wicher, was launched at the Port of Gdynia, according to “Polish Radio”.

“We will be—and I’m not afraid to use this word—a maritime power. A potential aggressor will think twice before launching hostile actions, knowing that we have capabilities such as the ORP Wicher,” — said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk immediately before the naming ceremony for the new Navy frigate.

The prime minister stated that the Polish shipbuilding industry is a source of pride.

Before the launch of the ORP Wicher at the Port of Gdynia, the Prime Minister stated that this vessel is an example of the necessary large-scale investments in defense. Such large expenditures are justified by the security of the Baltic Sea, noted Donald Tusk.

“Poland has once again turned its face and heart toward its sea. We will be a maritime superpower in the military sense, because we will have a small number of ships that are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Donald Tusk emphasized that the creation of a modern fleet stems from the need to protect strategic coastal facilities:

— The fact that Poland is becoming a maritime superpower stems from the need to protect Polish interests in the Baltic Sea. These include ports, a nuclear power plant, dozens of wind farms, and the navy. All of this requires protection. We are building ships not because we are preparing for war, but to prevent conflicts.

The Prime Minister noted that the Polish shipbuilding industry provides thousands of jobs and is carrying out major investments worth billions.

ORP “Wicher” is a modern, multi-purpose frigate based on the British “Arrowhead 140” design.

The ORP “Wicher” is a modern, multifunctional frigate whose design is based on the British “Arrowhead 140” project and adapted to the requirements of the Polish military.