Poland Moves to Replace Soviet-Era Infantry Fighting Vehicles with Cutting-Edge Borsuk Fleet

WARSAW, Poland — In a significant step toward modernizing its ground forces, Poland has inked a deal worth PLN 6.57 billion ($1.7 billion) for the purchase of 111 Borsuk (Badger) tracked infantry fighting vehicles from state-owned defence conglomerate Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ). The contract, finalized on March 27, is the first major procurement within Poland’s larger framework agreement to acquire 1,400 Borsuks and related support vehicles.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the deal’s dual importance for both national security and economic growth.

"We are delivering on our promise to invest in the Polish defence industry. Security and the economy go hand in hand with the Borsuk—security because we are acquiring top-tier Polish-made equipment, and economic growth because the funds stay within our domestic defence sector," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.

Replacing Soviet-Era Equipment with a Cutting-Edge Polish Design

The Borsuk IFV is set to replace the ageing Soviet-designed BWP-1 tracked infantry fighting vehicles that have been in service with the Polish military for decades. Developed by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW)—a PGZ subsidiary—in 2014, the Borsuk brings Poland’s military into a new era of combat mobility and protection.

The deal ensures that the 111 ordered vehicles will be delivered to the Polish Land Forces between 2025 and 2029, strengthening Poland’s mechanized infantry units amid growing regional security concerns.

Borsuk: Poland’s Next-Gen Infantry Fighting Vehicle

One of the Borsuk’s standout features is its amphibious capability, allowing it to operate in diverse terrains, including river-crossing operations. The vehicle is manned by a three-person crew and can transport six fully equipped troops into battle.

It is armed with the ZSSW-30 remote-controlled turret, which features a 30mm Bushmaster Mk44/S automatic cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and an anti-tank guided missile launcher. This weapon suite significantly enhances firepower and battlefield effectiveness, making the Borsuk one of the most advanced IFVs in Europe.

A Key Step in Poland’s Defence Modernization

This procurement aligns with Poland’s aggressive defence modernization strategy, which includes large-scale acquisitions of tanks, artillery, and air defence systems in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the broader security challenges in Eastern Europe.

With Poland’s military budget increasing steadily, the Borsuk IFV deal underscores Warsaw’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production and enhanced military capabilities. This investment ensures the Polish Army remains one of the most formidable land forces in NATO.

As deliveries begin in 2025, the Borsuk will officially take its place as the backbone of Poland’s mechanized infantry, replacing Soviet relics with state-of-the-art Polish engineering.