Poland’s Strategic Acquisition of Borsuk Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Poland is set to enhance its military capabilities with the imminent signing of a contract for the purchase of Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles. This acquisition will see approximately 1,400 units delivered, each outfitted to carry a pair of Spike long-range anti-tank guided missiles, developed by the Israeli defense firm Rafael. Polish Defense Minister Paweł Bejda confirmed the timeline for this agreement in an interview with Defence24, affirming that the contract will be finalized “not within months or weeks, but within days.”
The Borsuk acquisition represents a significant modernization effort for Poland’s armed forces, which are currently using outdated Soviet-era BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles. The introduction of this advanced combat system is part of a broader strategy to bolster national defense and ensure readiness against potential threats.
The Development Journey of the Borsuk Vehicle
The journey of the Borsuk began in 2014 when Poland’s state-run defense industry initiated its development to replace the aging BWP-1s. By 2017 and 2018, multiple prototypes of the Borsuk were unveiled, showcasing the vehicle’s potential. After extensive testing and evaluation, the Polish military accepted a finalized demonstrator in 2022 for operational trials.
In a significant step forward, Warsaw announced in 2023 its decision to procure 1,000 Borsuk systems, along with an additional 400 support vehicles based on the same chassis. This showcased the Polish defense industry’s capability and ambition to produce modern military equipment, as the Borsuk was presented internationally for the first time, complete with the Israeli Spike missile systems.
Borsuk Specifications and Capabilities
The Borsuk, which translates to “Badger” in Polish, is a formidable 28-ton platform measuring 8 meters in length. Designed for versatility, the vehicle operates with a three-man crew and has the capacity to transport up to six soldiers, making it suitable for a variety of combat scenarios. Its armament includes a state-of-the-art 30-millimeter remote-controlled turret equipped with a Bushmaster II autocannon, two missile launchers, and a 7.62-millimeter general-purpose machine gun.
Powered by a robust 720-horsepower MTU turbo diesel engine paired with an Allison 3040 MX transmission, the Borsuk achieves impressive performance, reaching speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour and a range of 550 kilometers. These specifications highlight its capability as a reliable asset in modern battlefield environments.
