Polish Ratel heavy infantry fighting vehicle
The Ratel heavy IFV prototype, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola using its own resources, weighs 42 tons, shares many components with Borsuk, and is expected to be ready for testing by the end of 2026.
The first prototype of the Polish-developed Ratel heavy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is nearing completion, with a combat weight of 42 tons and expected to be ready for testing by the end of 2026, according to Defense24. The new platform is positioned as the successor to the Borsuk series, which has just entered service, with a priority on enhanced protection and maximum standardization with existing systems.
Background of Ratel program development
According to Defense24, Ratel was developed using the resources of the Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) Group. This is seen as a direct response from the Polish defense industry to the lessons learned from the Ukrainian battlefield, and also a test of the industry's maturity in terms of technology, organization, and strategy.
The article states that in less than a year, the new IFV prototype was not only displayed but also prepared for testing. This demonstrates fairly rapid development progress for a completely new armored platform, especially since it is designed in a heavy configuration, with the potential for future protection upgrades.
Ratel is expected to succeed Borsuk, the lighter tracked IFV that is beginning to enter service. Poland's approach is to maintain technological and operational continuity, but on a platform with enhanced protection capabilities.
Key specifications have been published.
The key technical specifications of the Ratel were cited by Defense24 from the MSPO 2025 arms exhibition held in September 2025. The focus was on the level of protection and payload capacity of the new airframe.
- Bullet resistance:Ratel was designed to withstand direct fire from a 30 mm Bushmaster II gun at a distance of 500 meters. This was a fairly high level of protection required for an IFV, aimed at the common threat from medium-caliber automatic artillery.
- Combat weight:The standard version has a combat weight of 42 tons, with the capability to increase it to 48 tons. This 6-ton payload provides significant room for future modernization packages and armor upgrades, active protection systems, or mission equipment.
The Ratel's chassis is extensively integrated with the Borsuk, which is a lighter tracked IFV. According to Defense24, this integration includes:
- Suspension system:Using a similar pneumatic-hydraulic suspension system with a 7-wheel load-bearing configuration on each side, the two models share many mechanical components and chassis structures.
- Motivation:The MTU 8V199 engine is upgraded to deliver 1,070 horsepower, paired with a German or American transmission (RENK, Allison). This configuration ensures that both models share the same powertrain, simplifying technical logistics.
Defense24 reports that the project has passed the basic evaluation phase for individual components, including bulletproof and mineproof capabilities. While HSW has not officially confirmed details of the progress, the article suggests that if the prototype is expected to be ready for testing by the end of 2026, manufacturing is already underway.
ZSSW-30 weapon system and combat module
In terms of firepower, Ratel shares the ZSSW-30 remote-controlled combat module with Borsuk and several other Polish armored vehicles. According to Defense24, the shared turret, which has undergone evaluation and entered mass production, significantly shortens the research and development cycle of the new IFV platform.
The unification of the combat module is significant from both a technical and operational perspective: the operating, maintenance, and supply chain personnel can all rely on the experience and infrastructure built for the Borsuk and other vehicles integrating the ZSSW-30. At the same time, Ratel retains its own upgrade range thanks to the ability to increase its combat payload to up to 48 tons.
Continuity with Borsuk and its impact on logistics.
Defense24 highlights the deep level of integration between Ratel and Borsuk regarding chassis, suspension, propulsion, and combat modules. This approach allows Poland to develop a heavier, more protective IFV, while still relying on Borsuk's proven technological foundation.
In terms of operation, standardizing key components such as the MTU 8V199 engine, RENK or Allison gearbox, 7-wheel load-bearing suspension system, and ZSSW-30 module reduces complexity in technical maintenance, spare parts, and training. This is suitable for large-scale modernization programs that simultaneously maintain multiple variants of infantry fighting vehicles and specialized vehicles on a few basic chassis.
Ratel's equipment requirements and role in the force.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the total need for infantry fighting vehicles and other equipment for the Polish army at the base is 1,400. Of these, more than 1,000 are infantry fighting vehicles, and approximately 400 are specialized motorized vehicles.
Ratel emerged in the context of this large-scale rearmament requirement, alongside Borsuk – an IFV that has entered production and acceptance. With its heavy configuration, a combat weight of 42 tons (expandable to 48 tons), and a stated level of protection, the new platform aims to meet combat scenarios requiring higher levels of protection, while maximizing the advantages of standardization with existing systems.
Defense24 assesses that HSW's development of Ratel using its own resources, in a short timeframe, and with a level of completeness sufficient for testing by the end of 2026, is a sign that Poland's defense industry capabilities are improving in terms of design, production organization, and the ability to respond to new demands from the modern battlefield.