"Borsuk" - Polish infantry fighting vehicle (IFV)

IFV "Borsuk" was presented for the first time at the MSPO exhibition in 2017 and an improved version was shown a year later. The 2018 version differed from the previous prototype with added armor on the sides and tracks, made of composite rubber, instead of steel. In 2018 the prototype passed the first series of factory tests, as a result of which additional changes were made. The new version was presented at the 2019 MSPO exhibition, it is equipped with new lights, other additional armor, mobile multi-spectral camouflage attachment points. In September 2020 the new prototype passed a series of extensive military practical tests, which were carried out at the Drawsk military training ground. They also included a series of fire tests. At the same time, the preparation of IFV technical documentation for future serial production was started. Production of 4 additional prototypes began in April 2022, which increased the cost of project work to 262,060,000 zlots. In November 2022 a public presentation and familiarization tests of the IFV "Borsuk" took place at the Oeaysz military training ground. They were watched by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, military officials and mass media representatives. During this presentation it was announced, that qualification tests should be completed by mid-2023 and that the first new infantry fighting vehicles will be delivered to the 16th Mechanized Infantry Division. Then it was also envisaged, that other units of anti-tank guided missiles would be integrated in the turret and that the "Borsuk" chassis would serve for the development of specialized combat vehicles. On February 28, 2023 the Armaments Agency signed a contract with HSW for the production of 1,000 IFV (BWP in Polish) "Borsuk" and 400 auxiliary machines on its chassis. Among those options are a combat reconnaissance vehicle, a battle command vehicle, an armored repair-evacuation vehicle, a medical evacuation vehicle and others. In this way, "Borsuk" will become a new combat platform of the Polish Armed Forces and one of the most massive combat vehicles of the Wojsko Polskie.

A complex, richly detailed and well-designed model of a combat vehicle in a nice mottled camouflage with quite visible signs of use. And although the model is without the detailing of the combat and engine compartments, it is really only intended for intermediate and advanced modelers due to the large amount of rather complex details and high labor costs. But those, who assemble this model, will surely have a great exhibit in their collection.