Saab launches first Polish SIGINT ship
On 1 July, the launch of Poland's first SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) ship from Saab, ORP Jerzy Różycki, took place in Gdańsk, Poland. The launching ceremony was attended by representatives from the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the Polish Armaments Agency, the Polish Headquarters of Marine Technology, the Polish Navy, and the Chief of Reconnaissance and Intelligence Analysis Directorate (J2). This event marked the launch of the first of two SIGINT ships acquired under Poland’s ‘DELFIN’ programme.
The launching of the SIGINT vessel is a significant milestone in its construction process, following the first steel cut in April 2023 and keel laying that November. Before entering service, the ship will be equipped with the necessary reconnaissance systems and will undergo sea trials. Ship-based electronic intelligence systems will enable the acquisition of intelligence data across the entire spectrum of maritime electronic intelligence (SIGINT).
The first ship in the ‘DELFIN’ programme series is named ORP Jerzy Różycki, honouring the mathematician, Cipher Bureau employee, and cryptologist who, during the interwar period, worked with Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski to break the code of the German Enigma encryption machine.
This project exemplifies how nations around the Baltic Sea, with similar needs and experiences, can come together to develop solutions that benefit us all. Poland and Sweden share geopolitical challenges in the region and together can build a strong pillar in the Baltic Sea’s security architecture. Both countries have common security interests in being the “Guardians of the Baltic”. Enhanced cooperation between Poland and Sweden can bring many synergies and benefits to both sides.
The vessels within the ‘DELFIN’ programme are built by Saab as the prime contractor. Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. is subcontracted to construct the ships, with Polish company MMC supporting Saab with design work. Saab is fully responsible for supplying and integrating the advanced mission systems. Other entities within the Polish defence industry are also involved in the implementation of the project.
Electronic Warfare
Our experience within Electronic Warfare goes back more than 50 years to when we first needed to protect fighters from air-to-air missiles or ground based air defence. Today, our electronic warfare offer includes self-protection systems protecting aircraft, helicopters, land vehicles, naval vessels and submarines. We also provide signals intelligence systems for passive interception and analysis of radar and communication signals, giving improved situational awareness from airborne, land based and naval platforms Electronic Warfare is about detecting or disturbing electromagnetic emissions, typically a radar emission or communication signal.