Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation
The Borsuk vehicles are to replace the Soviet-designed BMP-1 as the Polish military’s main tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
The 3SM Tyrfing will be a long-range, manoeuvrable supersonic strike missile. (Photo: Kongsberg)
Kongsberg has received a NOK1.5 billion (US$141 million) contract for the initial development phase of the Tyrfing SuperSonic Strike Missile (3SM) for Germany and Norway.
3SM is the next-generation missile system which is set to be deployed on future vessels from 2035 and is planned to compliment Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile.
Kongsberg has been awarded the contract as the lead industry partner, with significant involvement from German and Norwegian industry, including Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Nammo will also contribute to the project.
Although specific technical or performance specifications of the 3SM remained undisclosed, an illustrative concept unveiled by the Norwegian MoD and Kongsberg last year suggested that the missile will harness advanced solid-fuel ramjet propulsion, showcased through the collaborative Norwegian/US Tactical High-speed Offensive Ramjet for Extended Range (THOR-ER) initiative.
Thomas Gottschild, managing director of MBDA Deutschland, said: “As we have seen over the last two years, stand-off weapons are crucial for credible deterrence and defence. Joining forces between our companies will strengthen the Norwegian, German and European armed forces, improving the defence of our home nations.”
The Borsuk vehicles are to replace the Soviet-designed BMP-1 as the Polish military’s main tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
The package of three standalone follow-on contracts makes this the largest contract won by the Australian company and larger than its total 2024 revenue.
Patria quotes a maximum rate of fire of eight rounds a minute from the new ARVE (ARtillery on VEhicle) self-propelled gun with a range of 40km for an assisted round. The rapid, low-risk development is designed to meet emerging requirements which have arisen out of the Ukraine war.
The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.
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This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.