Image source: topwar.ru
At the MSPO 2026 exhibition, the Polish PGZ concern presented for the first time a demonstrator of a new heavy infantry fighting vehicle developed by Huta Stalowa Wola and designated CBWP (also known under the project name Ratel).
Unlike the much lighter Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle weighing 28 tons, capable of crossing water obstacles by swimming, the CBWP, weighing about 42-44 tons (48-50 with the maximum set of mounted armor), is not amphibious, is much better protected and is designed primarily to support armored brigades (in particular, equipped with MBT M1A2 Abrams).
The demonstrated sample is equipped with a remote-controlled ZSSW-30 combat module (already used on Rosomak armored personnel carriers and Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles), which includes a 30-mm Mk44S Bushmaster II automatic cannon from Northrop Grumman (with the ability to quickly switch to 40 mm caliber) with a firing range of more than 2000 m; a twin launcher for Israeli Spike-LR with a range of over 4,000 meters; UKM-2000C 7.62 mm machine gun designed by the Polish ZM Tarnów factory; smoke grenade launchers for camouflage.
Image source: topwar.ru
In addition, the ZSSW-30 module is equipped with independent panoramic optoelectronic commander and gunner sights with thermal imaging channels and laser rangefinders that operate on the "hunter-killer" principle (the commander and gunner work in combat pairs, allowing targets to be destroyed by conveyor).
However, other weapons options are also possible, including equipping the CBWP with even a 105mm cannon as a fire support vehicle.
Image source: topwar.ru
The crew consists of 3 people, accommodates up to 8 fully equipped paratroopers. Length 8.1 m, width 3.58 m (basic) or up to 4.2 m (with screens). MTU 8V199 TE23 turbodiesel engine with 1100 hp (810 kW). The transmission is automatic (installed on the demonstrator from the American company Allison). The suspension is passive hydropneumatic (7 support rollers per side). The protection allows you to withstand fire from 30 mm shells in the frontal projection and can be reinforced.
Image source: topwar.ru
In the presented configuration, the machine meets the requirements of the pan-European SAFE rearmament program, which provide for the use of at least 65% of the technologies developed in the EU. According to the developer, serial production of the new infantry fighting vehicle may begin as early as 2029.
