Poland’s PGZ unveils Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle tech demonstrator

KIELCE — For the first time attendees at Poland’s MSPO defense exhibition got a peek at a full-sized demonstrator for the Ciężki Bojowy Wóz Piechoty (CBWP) or Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle under development by Huta Stalowa Wola, part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).

“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 Management Board of PGZ. At a previous MSPO only a 1:4 scale model was present.

In a press release, PGZ said the vehicle will accommodate a crew of three and can carry up to eight troops. Its main task is to “safely transport, protect, and provide direct fire support to mechanized infantry units.” To do that, it’s armed with an unmanned ZSSW-30 turret equipped with a 30mm cannon, SPIKE anti-tank missiles, and programmable munition (ABM), meant to provide effective engagement of ground and air targets and enables precision fire both day and night.

“The vehicle represents a direct response to current operational and strategic challenges, focusing on three key pillars: maximizing firepower, ensuring the highest level of crew protection, and maintaining high maneuverability,” PGZ said.

According to PGZ representatives, the vehicle weighs approximately 12 tons more than the Borsuk (which weighs approximately 28 tons), placing the CBWP in the class of heavy infantry fighting vehicles operated by NATO armies.

The protection systems are complemented by an optional Active Protection System, laser detection modules, such as the OBRA-3, integrated with smoke grenade launchers, as well as an Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection system. Additional protection is provided by advanced ballistic and mine protection solutions compliant with STANAG standards and specialized mine-resistant seats that reduce the effects of explosions under the chassis.

Currently, there is sole operational demonstrator of the new CBWP, which will soon undergo factory trials. The company said the next step is the construction of two fully functional prototypes. Both prototypes are expected to be ready in 2027, and they will also undergo intensive testing.

PGZ wants to be ready for production, if an order is placed, perhaps as early as 2029, although this will depend on test results, any modifications made during development, and negotiations with the potential customer.