Naval Technology

Poland advances naval intelligence with keel laying of second SIGINT ship

Saab and Remontowa Shipbuilding collaborate on a milestone event for the Polish Navy.

Poland marked an important juncture with the keel laying ceremony for the second Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) ship at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk on January 23 2024.

The event saw the convergence of key stakeholders, including representatives from Saab, the Polish Armament Agency, the Polish Navy, Remontowa Holding, and distinguished guests.

The keel laying ceremony for the second in a series of two Polish signals intelligence ships signals a robust collaboration between Saab, the Swedish defence and security company, and Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A.

This follows Saab's contract award on November 25, 2022, for design and production of these SIGINT ships equipped with advanced mission systems to elevate the Polish Navy's intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Lars Brännström, deputy head and chief marketing officer for Saab's business area Kockums, emphasised the importance of this ceremony, highlighting its role as a moment in the shipbuilding process. The collaboration with the Polish Armament Agency and Remontowa Holding shows the commitment to providing the Polish Navy with capabilities.

A SIGINT ship supports the acquisition of intelligence data across a broad spectrum of naval intelligence capabilities. The keel laying ceremony for the first SIGINT ship, held on July 27, 2023, set the groundwork for the subsequent strides in naval intelligence that Poland is poised to achieve.

With Saab leading the design and integration of advanced mission systems and Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. handling the construction, the collaboration fortifies Poland's maritime defence and positions it at the forefront of naval intelligence capabilities in the Baltic region.

Last year, Saab delivered a SIGINT ship to the Royal Swedish Navy, replacing the existing HMS Orion. The 74m vessel underwent sea trials before being outfitted with special systems at Saab's shipyard in Karlskrona. Named HMS Artemis, the SIGINT ship will enhance the Swedish Navy's signals intelligence capability, offering better electromagnetic compatibility, manoeuvrability, and living conditions for personnel.