Saab Launches Second SIGINT Ship for Polish Navy
Swedish defense technology company Saab has successfully launched the ORP *Henryk Zygalski*, the second signals intelligence (SIGINT) ship for the Polish Navy. The launch occurred on January 14, 2026, at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland. This ship is part of Poland’s ‘DELFIN’ program, which aims to enhance the country’s naval capabilities.
The ORP *Henryk Zygalski* follows the lead ship, ORP *Jerzy Różycki*, which was launched on July 1, 2025. Both vessels are designed to bolster Poland’s maritime intelligence capabilities and are expected to enter service between 2027 and 2028. Saab’s press release indicated that the ships will be equipped with advanced electronic intelligence systems, enabling them to gather data across the maritime electronic intelligence spectrum.
Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s Kockums business area, expressed satisfaction with the launch, highlighting the project as a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Swedish and Polish industries. This collaboration aims to enhance European security, particularly in the Baltic Sea region, which has seen increased naval activity and tensions.
Collaboration and Strategic Importance
Saab serves as the prime contractor for the DELFIN program, overseeing the supply and integration of the ships’ mission systems. The construction of the vessels involves close collaboration with Polish company Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., which is responsible for the shipbuilding process. Additionally, Polish company MMC is assisting Saab with design work, and various other Polish defense entities are engaged in the project.
The DELFIN program aims to replace the Polish Navy’s aging Project 863 Modified Moma-class intelligence collection ships. The introduction of these new SIGINT platforms is crucial, especially given the strategic context of the Baltic Sea. This region has become increasingly congested and contested, with heightened naval activity from Russian forces. The need for robust SIGINT capabilities is paramount for maintaining maritime situational awareness and ensuring national security.
Critical Safety Alert for Ship Owners and ISM Operators Under Tokyo MoU Jurisdiction
Recent incidents have raised concerns about potential threats to critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, with NATO investigating reports of rogue commercial ships causing damage. Furthermore, NATO vessels and aircraft have frequently encountered Russian signals-jamming activities in the area. The addition of two state-of-the-art SIGINT ships will significantly enhance both Poland’s and NATO’s intelligence-gathering capabilities in this vital maritime corridor.
