A new armoured vehicle for mechanized infantry
Visitors to Poland’s MSPO international defence exhibition saw, for the first time, a full-scale demonstrator of the Ciężki Bojowy Wóz Piechoty (CBWP), or Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle, currently under development at Huta Stalowa Wola, part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).
At the previous MSPO exhibition, only a 1:4-scale model of the vehicle had been displayed.
“The demonstrator presented today confirms that Polish companies possess the expertise to design and develop advanced combat platforms that meet the demands of the modern battlefield,” said Adam Leszkiewicz, president of the PGZ Management Board.
30 mm cannon and SPIKE anti-tank missiles
According to PGZ, the CBWP will carry a crew of three and accommodate up to eight troops. Its primary mission will be to transport and protect mechanized infantry while providing direct fire support.
The vehicle will be armed with an unmanned ZSSW-30 turret equipped with:
- a 30 mm automatic cannon;
- SPIKE anti-tank missiles;
- programmable ABM ammunition.
The weapon system is intended to engage ground and aerial targets effectively and provide precision fire during both day and night operations.
Heavier than the Borsuk
PGZ said the vehicle was designed in response to current operational and strategic challenges. Its development is based on three main priorities:
- maximizing firepower;
- providing a high level of crew protection;
- maintaining high mobility.
Company representatives said the CBWP weighs approximately 12 tons more than the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle, which weighs around 28 tons. With an estimated weight of approximately 40 tons, the new vehicle will fall into the heavy infantry fighting vehicle category used by NATO armies.
Ballistic, mine and active protection systems
The CBWP’s protection package may include an optional active protection system. The vehicle will also be equipped with laser-warning modules, including the OBRA-3 system, integrated with smoke grenade launchers.
Planned equipment also includes a nuclear, biological and chemical — NBC — protection system.
Additional protection will be provided by ballistic and mine-protection solutions compliant with STANAG standards. The vehicle will also feature specially designed mine-resistant seats intended to reduce the effects of explosions beneath the hull.
Prototypes expected by 2027
There is currently one operational demonstrator of the new CBWP. It is expected to undergo factory trials shortly.
The next stage of the program will involve the construction of two fully functional prototypes. According to the company, both are expected to be completed in 2027 and subsequently undergo intensive testing.
PGZ wants to be ready to begin production if Poland places an order. Production could begin as early as 2029.
The timetable will depend on test results, any modifications required during development and negotiations with the potential customer.
