Poland’s Maritime Turn: Naval Modernization and the Protection of Logistic Assets

Poland is undergoing a significant transformation in its maritime strategy, repositioning itself as a key naval and logistical actor in the Baltic Sea. For decades, the Polish Navy operated with ageing platforms inherited from the Cold War, focusing primarily on coastal defence and mine warfare. That posture is now changing rapidly. A new generation of programs—ranging from surface combatants to underwater and intelligence-gathering capabilities—is redefining Poland’s maritime identity. The decision to invest heavily in naval renewal reflects both the growing importance of the Baltic as a strategic corridor and the recognition that maritime infrastructure has become an essential component of national security. The laying of the keel for the frigate Wicher at Gdynia shipyard marked not only a symbolic restart of Poland’s domestic shipbuilding industry but also a broader strategic pivot: from coastal containment to open-sea deterrence and logistical protection.