The Polish Ministry of Defense announced the start of construction (sheet cutting) of the second “Miecznik” class frigate (Arrowhead-140PL). This is the ship ORP “Storm”. The first ship (ORP “Wicher”) is already under construction and its launch is expected in the third quarter of 2026. Sea trials will follow in the period 2028-2030 and the delivery of the ship to the Polish Navy in the first quarter of 2030. The second ship is expected to be launched in 2027 and its delivery to the Polish Navy is scheduled for the second quarter of 2030. The construction of the third and final ship is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, its launch in the third quarter of 2028 and its delivery in the second quarter of 2031.
The main armament of the ships will consist of four eight-bay vertical launchers Mk.41 VLS (Vertical Launch System) for Sea Ceptor anti-aircraft missiles (CAMM). Using quadruple launchers in each Mk.41 VLS cell, the ship’s payload will be 128 Sea Ceptor missiles. The ships will also incorporate eight RBS-15 Mk.3E anti-ship missiles with the ability to add eight more launchers, one 76 mm Super Rapido gun with Strales system (capable of using DART anti-aircraft ammunition), two Polish-made 35 mm CIWS systems, four Polish-made 12.7 mm machine guns, two of which in a remote-controlled turret, and two 324 mm torpedo tubes.
