WARSAW, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Poland on Wednesday held a ceremony unveiling ORP Wicher, the first of three multi-role frigates being built under the Miecznik naval modernization program, the Polish Press Agency reported.
The ceremony at the PGZ Naval Shipyard in the northern city of Gdynia was attended by Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Nawrocki described the Miecznik program as a milestone in the modernization of the Polish Navy and said Wicher would significantly strengthen the country's naval forces.
The program is Poland's largest naval modernization effort, intended to deliver three modern frigates to replace the fleet's aging Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships.
The new frigates are designed to counter threats in the air, on and under the water, while also protecting shipping routes and critical infrastructure.
The frigate is scheduled to be floated off in the Gulf of Gdansk on Thursday. ■