Poland Strengthens Naval Intelligence with Launch of ORP Jerzy Rozycki First Delfin-Class Ship.

According to information published by the Polish Ministry of Defense, on July 1, 2025, the Remontowa Shipbuilding SA shipyard in Gdańsk hosted the ceremonial christening and launch of the ORP Jerzy Różycki, the first signals intelligence (SIGINT) vessel constructed under Poland’s Delfin program. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda, marking a critical advancement in Poland’s efforts to modernize its naval reconnaissance capabilities. This launch represents a strategic enhancement of the Polish Navy's ability to conduct maritime electronic surveillance and intelligence operations.
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Launching ceremony of the ORP Jerzy Rozycki signals intelligence vessel at Remontowa Shipbuilding SA in Gdansk, Poland, on July 1, 2025, marking a major milestone in the Polish Navy Delfin class program. (Picture source: Swedish Embassy in Poland)

The Delfin program stems from a 2022 contract signed between the State Treasury’s Armaments Agency and Swedish defense company Saab AB. The agreement provides for the construction of two specialized SIGINT vessels at the Remontowa Shipbuilding SA shipyard, with Saab responsible for delivering and integrating highly classified electronic reconnaissance systems. The collaboration ensures a significant transfer of expertise and reinforces Poland’s defense autonomy by involving key national defense companies in the shipbuilding process. The inclusion of Polish industrial partners underlines a robust domestic contribution to the development and sustainment of these high-tech assets.

The ORP Jerzy Różycki, named in honor of the legendary Polish mathematician and cryptologist who helped break the German Enigma code, will be succeeded by a second vessel, the ORP Henryk Zygalski. Both ships will form the backbone of Poland’s maritime SIGINT capability. These platforms are designed to collect and process intelligence across a wide range of electromagnetic spectrums. Their role will be critical in maritime domain awareness, particularly in the Baltic Sea, and will contribute significantly to NATO’s collective surveillance and early warning architecture.

Technically, the ORP Jerzy Różycki is based on the Swedish Artemis-class SIGINT vessel design, sharing core architecture developed by MMC Ship Design & Marine Consulting Ltd. in Gdynia. The ship measures 74 meters in length and displaces approximately 3,000 tons. It is powered by four 990-kW diesel generators coupled with azimuthal thrusters and two bow thrusters, ensuring high maneuverability and positional accuracy in operational settings. The crew will consist of approximately 35 to 40 personnel, housed in 35 modernized cabins.

The SIGINT systems onboard, while classified, are expected to include a full suite of capabilities such as ELINT, COMINT, MASINT, and IMINT. These tools will enable the vessel to detect, intercept, and analyze a wide range of electronic emissions, including radar signals, intercepted communications, and acoustic signatures. Saab technicians will integrate these systems after the completion of structural works, ensuring precision in system functionality and operational readiness.

The introduction of the Delfin-class vessels is a strategic milestone for the Polish Navy, addressing a long-standing capability gap in maritime intelligence gathering. As regional tensions in the Baltic Sea continue to escalate, these ships will play a crucial role in providing real-time intelligence, supporting joint-force operations, and enhancing Poland’s position within NATO’s intelligence-sharing network. The ORP Jerzy Różycki represents not only a technological leap but also a reaffirmation of Poland’s commitment to building a modern and capable maritime force.