Grotowisko-25 took place on June 14–15, 2025, and was organized by the Territorial Defence Forces Command – the institution responsible for introducing the MSBS Grot rifle family into the Polish Armed Forces, which now serves as an Expert Institution and cooperates with Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom in the process of implementing further modifications.
During the conference, users of MSBS Grot carbines and Grot 7.62N rifles presented conclusions drawn from their operational use, as well as recommendations related to modernizing the firearms training process in the Polish Armed Forces and procedures concerning weapons maintenance. Photos: Territorial Defence Forces Command Press Team
On the first day of Grotowisko, users and individuals responsible for the production of the Modular Firearm System gathered during the conference held at the Club of the Communication and IT Center in Zegrze.
I have no doubt that the MSBS Grot, as part of the armament used by the Polish Armed Forces, plays a significant role in enhancing the country’s security. It is no coincidence that it constitutes a core element of the Szpej operation. Its design, based on modern technologies, is increasingly well-suited to the needs of the contemporary battlefield, as well as to the requirements of its users – including soldiers from various branches of the Polish Armed Forces. In recent years, the Grot has earned recognition not only domestically, but also abroad, which confirms its high quality and functionality.
— Brig. Gen. Dr. Krzysztof Stańczyk, Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces, during the opening.
The New Grot A3 and MPS Army
One of the most important presentations was given by Seweryn Figurski, President of the Management Board of Fabryka Broni ‘Łucznik’ Radom. He presented the current status of work on the latest update package for the Grot A3, which debuted during last year’s Grotowisko.
The Grot A3 as presented in 2024 / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski
Since last year, however, the modification package for the Grot A3 has been expanded with a number of new features resulting from the ongoing dialogue between Fabryka Broni and the Polish Armed Forces. According to Fabryka Broni, this represents the final version of the 5.56 mm MSBS GROT A3, approved by the Ordering Party and the Expert Institution, and submitted for Type Testing.
The Grot A3 in the version submitted for Type Testing / Graphics: Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom
As part of the updates, the gas block was modified by adding, or rather, restoring, forward-facing gas relief ports. These help minimize fouling on both the weapon and the user’s hand. In the current version, they should not significantly contribute to increased handguard heating.
Another change involves the removal of one of the openings at the front of the upper receiver, aimed at improving the weapon’s handling characteristics. The orientation of the mounting holes for attaching the rear of the receiver was also reversed. This allowed changes to the stock housing, increasing the rigidity of the connection with the upper receiver assembly.
The bolt catch lever was redesigned to eliminate the possibility of disassembling the weapon while the bolt carrier group is locked in the rear position. The handguard and its top cover were also reengineered by reducing the size of the cutout in the cover, a change intended to further improve the overall stiffness of the assembly.
An important announcement was made by Seweryn Figurski regarding the continued development of the Modular Semi-Automatic Pistols (MPS) in 9×19 mm caliber. The new weapon is being developed as a future sidearm for the Polish Armed Forces and other uniformed services.
A dedicated military variant, the MPS ARMY, is being created specifically for the needs of the armed forces. The shape and angle of the interchangeable polymer grip, mounted on the pistol’s frame, have been modified. The undercut of the grip has been redesigned, and an extended beavertail-style guard has been added. The trigger module has also been reworked, including a redesigned trigger shape. According to representatives of Fabryka Broni, these changes are intended to improve ergonomics during dynamic shooting by soldiers in combat conditions.
MPS ARMY
Another variant is the MPS Tactical. This pistol features a threaded barrel that extends beyond the slide, allowing the attachment of various muzzle devices such as sound suppressors or compensators. Additionally, the weapon can be equipped with raised iron sights to enable emergency aiming in the event of a micro red dot sight failure.
MPS Tactical
The Modular Semi-Automatic Pistol (MPS) is a personal firearm designed for short-range engagements. Chambered in 9mm, the pistol operates on the principle of short recoil, with the barrel locking via tilting in the vertical plane. It fires in semi-automatic mode. The MPS is a striker-fired pistol equipped with a trigger system featuring partially pre-cocked operation (semi-DAO). Full cocking of the striker mechanism occurs upon pulling the trigger. Notably, the polymer grip (available in various sizes) is separate from the steel frame, which is classified as an essential firearm component under Poland’s firearms and ammunition legislation.
A comparison between the future subcompact version of the MPS (left) and the full-size model (right)
Grot C10 Compact Carbine and Grot A3 in the Polish Armed Forces by 2026?
During a media briefing, Brig. Gen. Dr. Krzysztof Stańczyk, Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces, confirmed that starting in 2026, under the existing contract, the Polish Armed Forces will begin ordering Grot C10 compact carbines with 11.5-inch (270 mm) barrels alongside the standard Grot C16 rifles. The shortened weapon is intended for personnel who do not require full-length rifles, such as vehicle crews, crew-served weapon operators, and soldiers serving in support elements of frontline units. According to the Commander’s statement, the total number of Grot rifles specified in the contract will remain unchanged, with C10 carbines to be delivered as one-to-one replacements for the same number of Grot C16s.
Grot C10 Compact Carbine / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
According to information obtained by the MILMAG editorial team, the compact Grot carbines will be ordered in the configuration that successfully passed technical testing. As Brig. Gen. Stańczyk told MILMAG, the short-barreled Grots will be delivered in the A2 variant (in order to comply with the terms of the existing contract with Fabryka Broni), with the possibility of future conversion to the A3 version.
As for the delivery of Grot C16 A3 rifles, several conditions must be met before procurement can begin. Although both Fabryka Broni and the Polish Armed Forces have expressed their intention to introduce the next modernization package, successful completion of Type Testing and product compliance evaluation (OiB) is required. The manufacturer has declared that these procedures are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Grot C16 A3 in its latest variant with improved design
Once these requirements are met, the Expert Institution (Territorial Defence Forces Command) will prepare a data sheet, which will become an annex to the directive for introduction into the Armed Forces, approved by the Head of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate. After fulfilling these requirements, the fastest route to implementing the Grot A3 rifles will be to sign an annex to the existing contract (as the price of the rifles may change).
If Fabryka Broni completes the necessary formalities, there is a reasonable chance that the planned batch of over 20,000 Grot rifles could be delivered in the A3 variant in 2026.
As for the potential adoption of MPS pistols, the Armed Forces plan to put a batch into limited use, and after submitting feedback based on evaluation testing, the appropriate procurement procedure may be initiated. As emphasized by Seweryn Figurski, President of Fabryka Broni, the MPS was developed on the company’s own initiative and with internal funding, without any official acquisition program announced by the military. However, Fabryka Broni has proposed supplying a sufficient number of pistols for evaluation testing.
Grotowisko-25 Ended with a Competition
In this year’s edition of the competition, held at the Marynino shooting range, soldiers representing the Territorial Defence Forces, the Land Forces, and military academies competed against one another. They faced off in four categories: rifle shooting, military pistol shooting, combined rifle and pistol shooting, and a team precision rifle shooting event.
In addition, soldiers took part in physical fitness challenges such as rope traversing, burpees (a full-body exercise combining a squat, plank, and jump), rope climbing, and the farmer’s walk. A special distinction was also awarded to the team whose members achieved the best results across the individual categories.
A competition was also held for operators of micro-class Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Operators and pilots were tasked with preparing a concealed drone launch site, detecting and identifying hidden objects within a designated area, and locating an emergency landing site for the UAS — all within a strict time limit. Competitions of this kind serve as an excellent test of reconnaissance and search mission skills, as well as a challenge to the physical coordination and teamwork of drone operating crews.
During the competition, a rescue demonstration was also held, based on the experiences of medics from the conflict in Ukraine.
We congratulate all participants, as this year’s level of competition was exceptionally high!