Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Błaszczak has signed a framework agreement with a Polish consortium for the purchase of up to 1,400 locally-developed Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
Signed on February 28 at the headquarters of armored vehicle specialist Huta Stalowa Wola SA, the agreement will see Polish industry deliver the first vehicles between 2024 and 2025.
The program to replace the Soviet-era BMP-1 IFVs currently in service could come with a price tag of up to $10 billion.
Various variants delivered as part of the Borsuk program will include reconnaissance, command, medical evacuation, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) recconnaissance vehicles.
Based on a universal, modular tracked platform (UMPG), Borsuk will be equipped with the ZSSW-30 remotely controlled turret system and will have a crew of 3 soldiers. The vehicle is designed to transport 6 soldiers to the battlefield area while ensuring an appropriate level of protection.
The ZSSW-30 remotely controlled turret system developed by Huta Stalowa Wola SA together with WB Electronics SA relies on the Bushmaster Mk.44S automatic cannon. It enables firing with the use of five different types of ammunition, including programmable ammunition. A modified 7.62 mm UKM-2000C machine gun is also integrated with the turret as auxiliary armament. The IFV will also have a dual launcher of anti-tank guided missiles.
Signing the contract on February 28, minister Błaszczak revealed an additional project that is aimed at developing an IFV that will be heavier than Borsuk. Dubbed Borsuka, the heavier IFV will be the backbone of the Polish Army’s 18th Mechanized Division.
