PGZ Presents Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle Technology Demonstrator
The state-owned conglomerate PGZ (Polish Armaments Group) rolled out the tracked Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) at the ongoing 34th edition of the MSPO defence trade show in Kielce, Poland.
It has been developed by one of its key subsidiary companies responsible for artillery and armoured vehicle production, the HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola). One of the most striking features of this programme, locally classified as the CBWP, is the speed with which it has emerged. It was first showcased here last year (2025) as a 1:4 scale model, now it transits into a full-fledged advanced technology demonstrator. Two prototypes will be built to undergo initial factory testing next year (2027) with the field tests by the procurement authorities to follow a year later (2028). As currently envisaged, the programme should enter the series production stage by 2029, subject to successful development phase.
The heavy IFV is powered by a 1,000+ hp MTU diesel engine, giving it high levels of mobility and firepower as it shares design and construction elements with the current fleet of other PGZ armoured vehicles, including the Krab self-propelled howitzer (SPH), Borsuk IFV and Rosomak Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to increase commonality. However, it is 12 tonnes heavier than the amphibious Borsuk and exceeds 40 tonnes, as its key trademark is high survivability and crew protection ‒ including modular armour, ballistic, mine, drone, CBRN and potentially also active protection ‒ for three crew members and up to eight (or six) embarked soldiers.
For the time being, it is armed with the HSW/WB Group ZSSW-30 Remote Control Turret System (30 mm Mk 44S Bushmaster II cannon using programmable ABM ammunition, 7.62 mm UKM-2000C machine gun and Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles), complemented by smoke grenade launchers and laser detection systems (OBRA-3). However, additional types of weapon turrets (40 mm cannon/105 mm gun) should be integrated with the platform in the future to further its development and expand evolving mission sets alongside Main Battle Tanks (MBT).
Threat perception in Poland dictates speed and agility, with the ongoing aggression against Ukraine continuing unabated while the country has recently experienced a string of suspicious aerial and other incidents (including here during the MSPO) and sabotage attempts on a regular basis.
Tomáš Chlebeček / Kielce (Poland)
