Northrop Grumman has commenced the shipment of the Mk44 Bushmaster II chain gun, set to arm Poland’s Borsuk next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). This 30-millimeter chain-driven autocannon is recognized for its reliability and versatility, and is currently deployed across NATO member forces.
The specifications of the Mk44 Bushmaster II highlight its capability: it features a barrel length of 2,410 millimeters, an overall length of 3,405 millimeters, and weighs approximately 160 kilograms (353 pounds). This weapon utilizes two types of ammunition belts, making it adaptable for use on various systems—ranging from lighter combat vehicles and naval ships to infantry fighting vehicles.
The autocannon boasts a cyclic rate of fire between 100 and 200 rounds per minute and demonstrates an effective range of roughly 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) on land. When utilized on maritime platforms, its range extends to 5,100 meters (16,732 feet).
Regarding the Borsuk, Poland’s first fully indigenous tracked infantry fighting vehicle was first introduced in 2017. It is designed as a replacement for the aging Soviet-era BMP-1, providing advancements in protection, mobility, and firepower. The Borsuk measures 8 meters (26 feet) in length and has a weight of 28 tonnes (61,729 pounds), accommodating a crew of three alongside six infantry passengers.
Powering the Borsuk is a 720-horsepower MTU turbo diesel engine, paired with an Allison 3040 MX transmission, allowing it to reach speeds of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour and a range of 550 kilometers (342 miles).
Poland’s military plans to acquire a total of 111 Borsuks by 2029, under a substantial $1.7 billion contract signed last March. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to assemble a fleet of approximately 1,400 vehicles, which includes over 1,000 in the standard variant and around 400 in specialized configurations. The introduction of the Borsuk, along with the Mk44 Bushmaster II chain gun, represents a significant upgrade to Poland’s military capabilities.
