Camilla Jessen
The Polish Navy went viral on social media.
A lighthearted moment aboard Poland’s only submarine has captivated the internet.
“It’s not steel that makes a ship, but people”
That’s the message posted by the Polish Navy on its official X account, alongside a short video that’s quickly gone viral.
The clip shows a sailor performing a dance from the popular “aura farming” trend—this time on the deck of Poland’s only operational submarine, the ORP Orzeł.
A TikTok-inspired twist from the military
According to news reports, the post, though playful, carried a deeper message: “Sailors are professionals who give 100% every day. Their experience, determination, and teamwork create an aura of victory.”
That very “aura” was no coincidence—the video paid homage to the viral dance challenge that has captured the attention of millions online.
From Indonesian rivers to a Polish submarine
Originating from Indonesia, the trend began with 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha, who performed the energetic dance during Pacu Jalur, a traditional boat race on the Indragiri River.
In the original, the young boy’s moves were meant to motivate the boat crew to row faster.
In Poland’s version, the same spirit of motivation was transported to the steel deck of a submarine.
The ORP Orzeł
ORP Orzeł is a third-generation Project 877E submarine, known within NATO as the “Kilo” class. Commissioned into service in April 1986, it remains a cornerstone of the Polish Navy’s underwater capabilities.
Measuring 73 meters in length and capable of diving to depths of 300 meters, the submarine displaces over 3,100 tons when submerged.
The heart of Poland’s underwater fleet
While it may not be the fastest undersea vessel—reaching 32 km/h underwater—its long range of 11,000 km at 14 km/h and robust weaponry, including 18 torpedoes and up to 24 naval mines, make it a formidable asset.
The vessel is also packed with sonar and radar equipment, along with a Murena/MWU-110EM combat management system that allows the crew to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Despite its age, the ORP Orzeł remains a critical asset.
