PGZ Polish Armaments Group and Huta Stalowa Wola presented a full-size demonstrator of their Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle at MSPO 2026 on 8 September 2026.
Called by the Polish Ministry of Defence the Ciężki Bojowy Wóz Piechoty (CBWP – Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle), this is the first of two prototypes being built. Following qualification trials, ballistic testing, mine-resistance evaluation and formal assessment against the military’s requirements, production is anticipated for 2029.
At 40 to 43 tonnes and powered by an MTU 800 kW (1000+ h)p engine, it is designed to operate with main battle tanks, providing mounted protection for its carried dismounted infantry and crew. According to PGZ, the CBWP’s design emphasises survivability.
The heavy IFV features integral basic ballistic and mine protection, which can be upgraded through a modular armour package that allows protection levels to be scaled to mission requirements. Ballistic protection is against 30x173mm armour-piercing cannon rounds fired from 500 meters (STANAG 4569 Level 6). The vehicle can also accept reactive armour, with the Polish Pangolin system a likely candidate.
Despite its weight, the tracked vehicle has impressive cross-country mobility and can climb 30-degree slopes, cross two-meter-wide trenches, and ford 1.2-meter-deep water obstacles.
The Heavy IFV has a ZSSW-30 Remote Control Turret System, equipped with a 30mm Mk44/S automatic cannon, coaxial machine gun, a dual launcher for Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles and smoke grenade launchers. The commander, gunner, and driver sit forward in the hull, with the rear troop compartment accommodating six to eight fully equipped soldiers. Troops exit and enter via the rear ramp.
The fire-control system uses Polish PCO optoelectronics GOC-1 Nike gunner’s sight and the GOD-1 Iris panoramic commander’s sight. These offer day and thermal imaging and laser range finding. The system allows the commander and gunner to independently detect, track and engage targets, enabling hunter-killer operation.
The Heavy IFV is also fitted with CBRN filtration and protection systems. The vehicle also has provisions for mounting an active protection system (APS). It can also fit the OBRA-3 laser warning system, which is integrated with smoke grenade launchers.
The heavy IFV is intended to complement the lighter tracked Borsuk IFV, which is in production. This 28-tonne IFV is swim-capable, with 257 ordered and an anticipated requirement of up to 1,400 units. Estimates suggest around 700 CBWPs could be fielded.
by Stephen W. Miller
