Poland is set to strengthen its military capabilities with the imminent signing of a contract for the acquisition of Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, a move confirmed by Polish Defence Minister PaweÅ‚ Bejda in an interview with the Warsaw-based news agency Defence24. Bejda stated that the agreement will be finalized in just a few days, marking a significant step for the country’s defense strategy.
The deal includes the procurement of approximately 1,400 Borsuk systems, each equipped to carry a pair of Spike long-range anti-tank guided missiles, developed by the Israeli defense firm Rafael. This acquisition is part of Poland’s broader initiative to replace its aging Soviet-era BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to rise.
The Borsuk vehicle, also referred to as “Badger,” has been in development since 2014 by Poland’s state-run defense industry. The project aims to create a modern combat system that meets the contemporary operational needs of the Polish armed forces. Several prototypes of the Borsuk were showcased in 2017 and 2018, culminating in the acceptance of a finalized demonstrator for operational trials four years later.
In 2023, Poland committed to purchasing 1,000 Borsuk systems along with an additional 400 support vehicles that are based on the same chassis. These vehicles were exhibited outside of Poland for the first time, showcasing their advanced capabilities, including the integration of the Israeli Spike missiles.
The Borsuk is a robust platform weighing 28 tons and measuring 8 meters in length. It is designed to operate with a three-man crew while accommodating up to six additional soldiers. The infantry fighting vehicle is armed with a 30-millimeter remote-controlled turret featuring a Bushmaster II autocannon, paired with two missile launchers. It also comes equipped with a 7.62-millimeter general-purpose machine gun for added versatility in combat situations.
Powering the Borsuk is a 720-horsepower MTU turbo diesel engine, coupled with an Allison 3040 MX transmission, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour and operate effectively across a range of 550 kilometers (342 miles). This addition to Poland’s military arsenal speaks to the country’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and enhancing its preparedness in an increasingly dynamic security environment.
