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The Polish Ministry of National Defense signed a contract on March 27, 2025, valued at $1.7 billion for acquiring 111 state-of-the-art Borsuk (Badger) tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

The deal was signed with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Poland’s state-run defense group, and will result in the delivery of the new-generation IFVs between 2025 and 2029. These domestically developed vehicles will replace the Soviet-era BWP-1s currently in service with the Polish land forces.

National security and economic strategy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the contract’s dual significance: it enhances national security and economic growth through domestic production.

“We are delivering on our promise to invest in the Polish defense industry,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz in a statement issued by the ministry. “Security and the economy, these two things are combined within the Borsuk. Security, because we gain excellent equipment developed in Poland, and the economy, because all this money goes to Polish defense companies,” he added.

This initial order of 111 vehicles is part of a broader framework agreement signed in 2023, under which a total of 1,400 Borsuk IFVs and accompanying support vehicles are planned to be procured in future phases.

Borsuk IFV

The Borsuk is a product of nearly a decade of research and development led by Huta Stalowa Wola, a company that now operates as a subsidiary of PGZ. The project was launched in 2014 to replace outdated Soviet-designed equipment with modern, Polish-made alternatives capable of meeting NATO interoperability standards.

Equipped with the ZSSW-30 turret, the Borsuk IFV features advanced combat systems, day/night optics, and fire-control technologies. It is manned by a crew of three and can carry six fully equipped soldiers. One of its notable features is its amphibious capability, which allows it to operate effectively across diverse terrains, including river crossings—an essential feature for operations in Poland’s geography.

The ZSSW-30 turret gun is also produced domestically in and it is armed with a 30mm cannon and Spike anti-tank guided bullets, giving the Borsuk significant firepower and versatility in both conventional and hybrid warfare scenarios.

Boosting the domestic defense industry

This procurement comes amid rising regional security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasing defense commitments across Europe. Poland is a NATO frontline state and has rapidly escalated its defense spending in recent years, investing heavily in both imported and domestic military systems to strengthen deterrence capabilities.

The emphasis on local production reflects a shift toward defense autonomy and industrial resilience. By choosing to procure from domestic companies, the Polish government aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of its defense supply chain while also creating jobs and stimulating innovation within the country.

The deal is also expected to catalyze further modernization programs, as the government has signaled its intention to increase the Polish Army’s mobility and survivability with a new generation of armored vehicles.

Strategic vision and outlook

The Borsuk program has broader implications beyond the 111-vehicle contract. With a total of 1,400 IFVs eventually envisioned, this initial deal represents the first step in a long-term strategy to transform the Polish land forces and reduce dependence on foreign systems.

Moreover, Borsuk’s design and production may open doors for potential exports to NATO allies and friendly nations seeking cost-effective and technologically advanced IFV solutions.

Poland’s strategic investment in defense capabilities, combined with a parallel push to localize production, highlights Warsaw’s commitment to building a more self-sufficient and responsive military apparatus in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate.

As European nations recalibrate their security doctrines and military budgets in response to the evolving threat landscape, Poland’s approach offers a model for how to effectively integrate national defense policy with industrial growth and innovation.

The $1.7 billion contract for the Borsuk IFV is a milestone for the Polish military and a testament to the country’s ambition to lead in regional defense readiness. By investing in homegrown technology and committing to long-term procurement plans, Poland is not only enhancing its military strength but also laying the foundation for a resilient and modern defense ecosystem.

As Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz succinctly put it, “Security and the economy, these two things are combined within the Borsuk.”