Polish Deputy Prime Minister Błaszczak sees new Borsuk (Badger) IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) field testing at the Orzysz training ground.
~
Press Release, Warsaw, 14 November 2022: “We are successively modernising the Polish Armed Forces’ equipment. One of the most significant steps in this process is the replacement of worn-out armoured combat vehicles. The new machines must be of the highest quality and fully interoperable with our Allies’ equipment. Hence, it is no coincidence that next to the tested Borsuk (Badger) armoured combat vehicle is displayed alongside the American Bradley. We intend to be as interoperable with our NATO partners as possible,” said Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence at a meeting with soldiers at the training ground in Orzysz.
On Monday, November 14, at the tank shooting range, the head of the Ministry of National Defence observed the field tests of the new Polish Borsuk armoured personal carrier. “I am glad these vehicles are being tried at the training ground in Orzysz. Owing to my decision, the Polish Armed Forces’ soldiers are presently testing this equipment. In April, we ordered additional copies of Borsuk. They will be used by our soldiers as a trial run. Time is of the essence when it comes to replacing worn-out equipment with modern one. We just witnessed how well Borsuk works. Undoubtedly, this is cutting-edge technology, produced by the Polish defence industry. We are extremely proud of that. We always turn first to the domestic defence industry sector when seeking new equipment for Polish Armed Forces. Next year, after the successful tests’ completion, we will sign a framework agreement with the Polish Armaments Group and Huta Stalowa Wola for the production of the Borsuk,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The Borsuk APC, currently tested by the 15th Mechanised Brigade, is the successor of the BWP-1 APCs. It is a modern tracked vehicle adapted to the needs of mechanised infantry units. The crew comprises of a commander, an operator and a driver. The vehicle is capable of transporting up to six soldiers to the battlefield. Borsuk APC has the ability to overcome water obstacles and to operate in various terrain and climatic conditions. It covers soldiers from small arms fire and anti-tank grenade launchers, as well as protects them from mine explosions and improvised explosive devices. Its maximum speed on paved roads is 65 km/h and it can swim at a maximum speed of up to 8 km/h. The basic Borsuk version weights 28 tons.
“The needs of the Polish Armed Forces are significant and go well beyond 1,000 units. That is why it will be one of the most considerable contracts concluded with the Polish defence industry. I wish all the best for everyone who tests the Borsuk APC and express my thanks. I am more than satisfied to know that the vehicles are tested right here in north-eastern Poland. In the future, they will strengthen the 16th Mechanised Division, with the very first batch coming to 15th Mechanised Brigade,” the head of the Ministry of National Defence noted.
During his stay at the training ground in Orzysz, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that as part of the equipment’s modernisation process, ‘Borsuk’ are to be the primary equipment of the 15th Mechanised Brigade, next to the ordered from South Korea K2 tanks. “This is the format that is adapted to the geographical conditions in which the troops of the 16th Division have to operate,” stressed Deputy Prime Minister M. Błaszczak.
The head of the Ministry of National Defence also reminded that next year the 18th Mechanised Division will receive modern Abrams tanks. “We take these steps carefully and with due deliberation. We are also financially prepared for the dynamic strengthening of the Polish Armed Forces. Next year’s defence budget is expected to be 3% of GDP, and we will obtain additional funding from the Armed Forces Support Fund, supplied by the National Economics Bank,” he underlined.
~
Borsuk APC is built on a universal modular tracked platform and equipped with the ZSSW-30 remotely controlled turret system. The system is to be used in the new Rosomaks (Wolverine) as well. The turrets are equipped with a 30mm cannon and anti-tank-guided missiles. The vehicle, using onboard weapon systems, can neutralise infantry, armoured vehicles, air targets and other targets.
The consortium led by Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. is responsible for the project. The consortium comprises of Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Urządzeń Mechanicznych OBRUM Sp. z o.o., Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne S.A., ROSOMAK S.A., Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne S.A., Akademia Sztuki Wojennej, Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna, Wojskowy Instytut Techniki Pancernej i Samochodowej and Politechnika Warszawska.
~
