Polish Navy expands fleet with fifth minehunter, strengthening Baltic Sea security

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has said that the Polish Navy now boasts a fleet of five mine hunters, following the recent launch of the Rybitwa, a Kormoran II-type minehunter.

The minister emphasised its significance in enhancing the country's maritime security, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"The fifth Kormoran II-class ship has been launched. The minehunter Rybitwa will be assigned to the 8th Coastal Defense Flotilla. This is an important milestone in the face of security threats in the Baltic Sea," Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote in a social media post.

The Kormoran II-class ships, designed for advanced mine-hunting operations, play a crucial role in ensuring safe passage in the Baltic Sea. Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the importance of continuous surveillance and security in the region, which has become increasingly critical in light of rising maritime threats.

"Together with our allies, we need continuous and effective control of the waters. The Kormoran II ships are designed not only for monitoring critical infrastructure but also for combating underwater sabotage and patrolling key maritime routes," he added. 

The increased focus on Baltic Sea security follows NATO's decision to begin patrolling the area under the Baltic Guard operation in January 2025. This move comes after several incidents involving damage to underwater communication infrastructure, highlighting the growing security concerns in the region. 

The Rybitwa is a Kormoran II-class minehunter in the Polish Navy, part of a modern fleet designed to enhance maritime security, particularly in the Baltic Sea. The Kormoran II-class ships are equipped with advanced technology to detect and neutralize underwater mines, ensuring the safety of vital maritime routes and critical infrastructure. The Rybitwa was launched as part of Poland's effort to strengthen its naval capabilities in the face of rising security threats in the region.

By Naila Huseynova