Babcock and PGZ seal joint venture for Miecznik frigate program.

According to a PR published by Babcock on August 17, 2023, Babcock, an international defense firm, and PGZ SA, one of Europe's largest defense groups, have solidified their strategic partnership by entering a Framework Agreement aimed at establishing a Joint Venture (JV).
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Steel cutting ceremony of the first Polish Miecznik class frigate. (Picture source: Babcock)

This JV aims to deepen their collaboration, especially in the execution of Poland’s MIECZNIK frigate program based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate design.

Both companies intend to merge their shipbuilding and equipment expertise for this project and explore further collaboration opportunities in naval and other defense sectors by leveraging their combined resources and capabilities.

This partnership will also boost the UK-Polish industrial ties and align with the objectives of the 2030 Strategic Partnership between the two nations to enhance policy, security, and defence collaboration.

Babcock's CEO, David Lockwood, emphasized the significance of sovereign defence in the current landscape and expressed pride in this collaboration. Sebastian Chwałek, CEO of PGZ S.A., highlighted the strong bond between PGZ and Babcock, mentioning their collective vision for future naval shipbuilding and strengthening NATO.

About the Arrowhead 140 frigate design

With a displacement of 5,700 tons, a length of 138.7 meters, and a CODAD propulsion system, the frigate can reach speeds over 28 knots. Its endurance covers 9,000 nautical miles, accommodating 80-100 crew members (extendable to 160).

Equipped with modern technology, the ship features the TACTICOS combat management system, Thales NS110 3D radar, Raytheon Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge System, Terma Scanter, Raytheon NSX navigation radars, Mirador Mk2 EOS, Viasat Ultrahigh-frequency satellite communications, Blue Hunter hull sonar, CAPTAS-2 towed sonar, and Sonar 270.