Image source: topwar.ru
The Polish state-owned company Huta Stalowa Wola is developing a new Ratel infantry fighting vehicle, which is expected to be able to withstand fire from medium-caliber cannons. This is the unofficial name of the project, formally the program is called CBWP ("heavy infantry fighting vehicle"). Ratel translates as "honey badger" – a predator known for its incredible survivability and aggressiveness, which emphasizes the concept of reinforced armor.
The new machine will be mounted on a seven-roller chassis with a hydropneumatic suspension (which is a direct borrowing from the South Korean MBT K2 and ACS K9) and will be equipped with an MTU 8V199 engine with a capacity of 1070 hp. Unlike the Borsuk light infantry fighting vehicle (which has 6 rollers), Ratel is built on an elongated platform. This is necessary for the distribution of a significantly increased mass (under 50 tons).
Image source: topwar.ru
Ratel is expected to be able to withstand direct fire from medium-caliber guns, such as the Bushmaster 30 mm automatic cannon, at a distance of 500 m. In the basic configuration, the weight of the infantry fighting vehicle will be about 42 tons, but the weight can be increased to 48 tons. This reserve allows you to install additional armor modules, KAZ and specialized equipment.
ZSSW-30 Tower:
Image source: topwar.ru
Ratel and Borsuk share a structurally common chassis, power plant, and combat systems (the ZSSW-30 remote-controlled module), which will simplify logistics and maintenance.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the troops need about 700 Ratel units in total. They will be purchased specifically for the 18th Mechanized Division ("Iron Division"), which is equipped with Abrams MBT. Since Abrams does not float, they do not need a floating "partner" in the person of Borsuk, but a maximally armored vehicle (CBWP/Ratel) capable of withstanding the same pace of combat.
Tests of the Ratel prototype are scheduled for the end of 2026.
