On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the State Treasury – Armament Agency, on behalf of the Polish Ministry of National Defense, signed a contract worth 4.3 billion PLN with the consortium of Huta Stalowa Wola and Rosomak (part of the Polish Armaments Group) for the delivery of 80 Rosomak-L Wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers equipped with ZSSW-30 remote-controlled turret systems, featuring Spike anti-tank guided missile launchers, along with logistics and training packages, for the years 2027–2028.
Photo: Ministry of National Defense
“80 Rosomak-L APCs are necessary because this is the basic equipment used by Polish soldiers today. While the Land Forces already have around a thousand Rosomaks, this latest, most advanced version is absolutely essential. The unmanned ZSSW-30 turret is the result of collaboration between the state-owned and private industries, as Huta Stalowa Wola, together with WB Electronics, developed this turret system, which is state-of-the-art and highly regarded by all experts,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz after signing the contract for the delivery of Rosomak-L APCs.
“Deliveries of the modified version of the Rosomak APC will take place in 2027–2028, which is remarkably fast for the capabilities of the domestic defense industry. These are very rapid, almost lightning-speed deliveries, for which I am sincerely grateful. I am pleased that the Polish Armaments Group is gaining momentum after the changes made this year. (…) We are counting on you not only this year but especially next year for more contracts. We are eagerly awaiting the Borsuk,” emphasized the Minister of National Defense.
“We need investments in the Polish defense industry, and this is happening—security and the economy are coming together, as evidenced by today’s contract for the purchase of the Rosomak in the L version. This is an extended, improved version in terms of functionality for the crew, especially for the driver of the APC, and for all those who will operate this equipment. The design includes many enhancements, but also offers greater protection, including reinforced ballistic shielding. It encompasses all the capabilities that are necessary and that must characterize the most modern equipment,” emphasized the Minister of National Defense.
The contract also provides for the possibility of increasing the number of vehicles delivered if the manufacturer’s production capacity expands and the needs of the Polish Armed Forces grow.
The Rosomak-L APC is a modified version of the classic Rosomak chassis, developed under the MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) program and produced directly on the production line. The main differences include an extended vehicle length, increased load capacity, a new engine, it is also an amphibious version equipped with a wave deflector.
The ZSSW-30 remotely controlled turret system is the result of a development project under a contract signed between the Armament Inspectorate and a consortium consisting of Huta Stalowa Wola and WB Electronics (part of the WB Group). This effort led to the development of a prototype along with technical documentation (Contract for additional Rosomaks with ZSSW-30 for the Polish Armed Forces).
The ZSSW-30 is designed to engage armored targets, structures, and fortifications utilized by the enemy, as well as to perform fire support tasks for units during combat operations. The integrated optoelectronic systems allow the system to perform tasks regardless of the time of day or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the equipment is adapted to operate in challenging climatic conditions.
The main armament of the ZSSW-30 is the Bushmaster Mk.44S automatic cannon, which allows for both automatic and semi-automatic firing modes, using five different types of ammunition, including programmable ammunition. The secondary armament is a modified UKM-2000C 7.62mm machine gun mounted coaxially with the cannon. Additional armament includes a dual Spike anti-tank guided missile launcher. The weapons can be reloaded from both outside and inside the vehicle.
The commander and weapon operator can independently observe, detect, identify, and track ground and aerial targets, including using an autotracker function. Additionally, the crew can operate in hunter-killer mode, where the commander locates and identifies a target and transfers it to the weapon operator’s display for targeting and destruction.
Analysis
On July 17, 2023, media reports suggested that during the XXXI International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2023 in Kielce, the Armament Agency planned to order between 250 and 400 brand-new wheeled infantry fighting vehicles in the newly extended Rosomak-L (Long) version, equipped with the 30mm Remote Controlled Turret System (ZSSW-30). This version debuted a year earlier as the Rosomak 8×8 MLU technology demonstrator.
The Rosomak 8×8 MLU was unveiled in January 2023 during a presentation to representatives of the Land Forces Inspectorate of the Armed Forces General Command (DG RSZ). Compared to the base Rosomak, the upgraded vehicle’s hull proposed by the Polish defense industry was extended by 20 cm (from 770 cm to 790 cm).
Additionally, the Rosomak 8×8 MLU (in MLU 1, MLU 2, and MLU 3 package variants) received the following upgrades: a new wave deflector (MLU 1), LED lights (MLU 1), new side mirrors (MLU 1), a redesigned driver’s hatch (MLU 1), a more powerful engine (MLU 2/3), an ABS system (MLU 2/3), new propellers (MLU 2/3), a reversing sensor (MLU 1), and a rear ramp assembly (MLU 2/3). Ballistic protection of the hull was enhanced (MLU 2/3), as well as the vehicle’s load capacity and buoyancy (MLU 2/3). The operational lifespan was extended to 40 years (MLU 1). The packages also include a comprehensive facelift, optional autonomous functionality, extended operational range, upgraded power systems, a universal onboard computer, and other solutions tailored to the potential needs of the Polish Armed Forces, including maintaining amphibious capabilities.
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