Poland launches ORP Czajka its sixth Kormoran II-class mine counter-measures vessel.

Poland has officially launched ORP Czajka, the sixth Kormoran II-class mine countermeasures vessel, according to Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The milestone underscores Poland’s push for naval self-reliance amid rising mine warfare risks in the Baltic Sea.

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has confirmed the launch of ORP Czajka, the sixth Kormoran II-class mine countermeasures vessel, marking another key step in the country’s naval modernization drive. The announcement was made on December 11, 2025, by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz via his official X account, highlighting both the steady progress of the Polish Navy’s MCM program and the growing role of domestic shipyards in delivering advanced maritime capabilities.
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Polish Navy officials and shipyard engineers attend the launching ceremony of ORP Czajka, the sixth Kormoran II-class mine countermeasure vessel, at Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdańsk on December 11, 2025.  (Picture source: Poland MoD)

The ORP Czajka, part of the modern Kormoran II-class MCMV program, is the latest in a series of mine warfare ships developed to replace Poland's aging fleet of 1960s-era Project 206F Frog class vessels. Built by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdańsk in cooperation with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), the Czajka represents the cutting edge of Polish maritime engineering, with non-magnetic hull technology, advanced underwater sensors, and a highly automated platform optimized for low acoustic signatures. These features are crucial for mine countermeasure operations.

This sixth unit solidifies the country’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its naval forces, a priority emphasized by Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, who called the launch “an important stage for the Navy and the entire national defense system.” His public endorsement signals Warsaw’s broader strategy to strengthen deterrence and resilience in the increasingly contested Baltic maritime domain.

The Kormoran II-class vessels are designed for mine detection, classification, and neutralization in Poland’s coastal waters and NATO-assigned sectors. They use both traditional sweeping gear and remotely operated unmanned systems. Each ship displaces approximately 850 tons, measures 58.5 meters in length, and is powered by two MTU diesel engines, achieving a top speed of 15 knots. The ships are equipped with advanced minehunting sonar, the SCOT combat management system, and deployable underwater drones such as the Saab Double Eagle Mk III or the Polish-made Morświn.

The Kormoran II MCMV program was launched in 2013 as part of the Polish Navy’s effort to rejuvenate its littoral warfare capabilities and align with NATO standards for mine countermeasure operations. The program is fully based on a Polish design developed by Remontowa Marine Design & Consulting, and it has become one of the most successful examples of Poland’s shipbuilding resurgence. The non-magnetic austenitic steel hull construction significantly reduces vulnerability to magnetic mines, while modularity and automation improve crew survivability and mission adaptability.

The first ship of the class, ORP Kormoran (601), was commissioned in November 2017 and entered service with the 13th Minesweeper Squadron in Gdynia. It served as the lead vessel for operational testing and evaluation. The second and third units, ORP Albatros (602) and ORP Mewa (603), were delivered in 2022 and 2023, respectively, becoming fully operational shortly after extensive sea trials. These three vessels form the core of Poland’s Northern Naval Base fleet, tasked with Baltic Sea security operations.

The next batch of three, including the newly launched ORP Czajka, forms the second phase of the program under a 2020 contract valued at over 1.6 billion PLN. The fourth ship, ORP Jaskółka, is in advanced outfitting and expected to be launched in mid-2026. The fifth, ORP Rybitwa, is undergoing hull construction. Upon completion of the second phase, Poland is expected to move forward with a final pair of Kormoran-class ships to round out the projected fleet of eight vessels by the end of 2028.

What distinguishes the Kormoran II program is its all-domestic design and production, an achievement that reinforces Poland’s ambition to develop sovereign defense capabilities. The program is not just a naval modernization effort; it also serves as a testbed for Poland’s defense industry, involving over 30 local companies, including OBR CTM, responsible for key mission systems and mine countermeasure technologies.

With Czajka now in the water, Poland moves closer to completing its planned fleet of eight Kormoran II-class MCMVs. This fleet forms a critical component of the Navy’s Future Force 2035 roadmap. These ships will provide vital operational capabilities to secure strategic maritime routes, ensure port access, and uphold NATO collective defense requirements in the Baltic Sea. The region is witnessing increased Russian naval activity and hybrid threats targeting undersea infrastructure.

Analysts note that the launch comes amid a broader recalibration of Poland’s military posture. The Ministry of National Defence is now finalizing decisions on additional naval procurements, including multi-role frigates under the Miecznik program and potential submarine replacement under the Orka initiative.

Rear Admiral Jarosław Ziemiański, Commander of the Polish Navy, has previously stated that “mine warfare is no longer a niche role; it is now a frontline capability in the Baltic theatre.” The rapid fielding of the Kormoran II class reflects this evolving doctrine. NATO allies, particularly Germany, Sweden, and Finland, are closely watching Poland’s progress in the mine countermeasure domain.

As sea lanes become more contested and the threat of underwater sabotage or mine-laying increases, the operational relevance of vessels like Czajka has never been more apparent. For Poland, asserting maritime control in the Baltic is not just a defense imperative. It is a declaration of strategic self-reliance.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.